Commercial waste and recycling

Businesses across Wirral have a duty to store and dispose of the waste generated by their business activities in a responsible manner. Reducing the amount of waste businesses produce and increasing levels of recycling are all good ways to help the environment.

Transportation of Waste

Wirral’s household domestic rubbish and recycling wheelie bins are for household waste only. Businesses must not use these bins to dispose of their commercial waste.

It is an offence to carry waste without being registered. Failure to provide satisfactory proof of a licence or other acceptable documentation to transport waste may result in a £300 Fixed Penalty Notice being issued.

Trade Waste Agreement

Businesses must have a Trade Waste Agreement with an authorised commercial waste carrier. Check that anyone you give your waste to, has the authority to take it otherwise you can be prosecuted if your carrier dumps your rubbish. You must keep a copy of all documentation for a period of two years.

Illegal Tipping of Rubbish

Without official trade waste disposal arrangements in place, businesses may have difficulty disposing of their waste and resort to dumping the waste illegally.

This is a serious offence and Wirral Council will prosecute anyone who is found to be illegally tipping rubbish.

Storage of Waste

Businesses must store waste safely and securely in suitable containers and prevent any waste escaping while it is under their control. Even when you put waste out for others to collect, until they do so, the waste is still under your control.

Any businesses not storing waste safely and securely, allowing waste to escape, or obstructing the highway with their bins, may face enforcement action from the Council.

Businesses have a legal duty to provide the Council with documentary evidence that they dispose of their waste legally. A 'Trade Waste Agreement' must be made available by businesses upon the request of Council Officers.

Businesses who fail to provide the Local Authority with satisfactory proof of an agreement or other acceptable documentation regarding the disposal of trade waste may result in a £300 Fixed Penalty Notice and may also be prosecuted.

How do I enter in to a Trade Waste Agreement?

Wirral Council can not advise you on which commercial waste carrier to use.

Details of commercial waste companies and recycling companies can be found in local telephone directories, ensure that the company is an authorised waste carrier.

Alternatively, call the Environment Agency who can offer advice on 0870 850 6506 or visit the Environment Agency website

I have seen businesses dumping their rubbish - what can I do?

Anyone who wishes to report incidents of fly-tipping can contact StreetScene anonymously.

Try to note down a description of the persons and vehicle involved, obtain the vehicles registration details if possible, and the location and time.