Landlords Waste - HWRC

Waste from landlords is not accepted at the Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) in Burn Road, as it is defined as commercial waste. Letting property is considered a business. HWRCs are only permitted to accept household waste and to knowingly deposit or accept commercial waste is illegal.

Under Section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, landlords renting property have legal obligations, which includes a Duty of Care to ensure that all waste arising from lettings is disposed of legally. Failure to comply is an offence and could lead to prosecution.

How can landlords dispose of waste from tenanted properties legally and comply with their ‘Duty of Care’?

  • Set up a commercial waste contract with a suitably licensed waste contractor. Always ask to see the waste carrier’s licence before contracting them to remove any waste from your property. You can check whether a collector is genuinely registered by using the Environment Agency’s Public Register online.

  • Contact local furniture reuse schemes. These collect unwanted household items such as furniture and electrical items free of charge. Items must comply with current fire regulations and be in working order and good condition.

  • Contact Hartlepool Borough Council to arrange a special collection of bulky items or one off house clearances. We will provide a quote based on an hourly rate. Costs must be agreed and paid for before collection takes place.

  • Transfer your waste to a suitably licensed facility, such as a Waste Transfer Station or waste disposal company. If you want to take waste to a disposal site yourself you will need to obtain a Waste Carriers licence from the Environment Agency.

  • Consider adding a clause to your tenancy agreement requiring the property to be cleared of all waste at the end of the rental period. Failure to comply could result in a charge to the tenants for waste removal which could be taken out of their deposit. Otherwise the landlord is responsible for any waste left behind.

Please note it is the landlord’s responsibility to ensure that the correct wheelie bins are supplied with their properties. These can be ordered through Customer Services on 01429 523333. You can also download calendars for your tenants at www.hartlepool.gov.uk/bincalendars.

We are committed to providing a high level of service for customers of our Recycling Centre. These facilities are for household waste only, we do not accept trade or commercial waste under any circumstances.