Householder Duty of Care in Scotland

Check the person taking your waste

Before handing over household waste, ask the collector for their business and waste authorisation details and check the relevant SEPA information. Keep a record of the agreed job and the person collecting. An attractive price or a branded vehicle is not a substitute for knowing who is responsible for the load.

Describe the material honestly

Tell the collector what is in bags and identify electrical items, chemicals, sharp waste or unknown material. Do not conceal difficult items within ordinary rubbish. The provider needs an accurate description to assess whether the load can use the proposed route. If a specialist is required, arrange that rather than hoping the material will be accepted on arrival.

Keep evidence of your arrangements

Retain the quotation, contact details and any collection receipt or relevant paperwork. Avoid paying someone whose identity and collection route remain unclear. For current requirements and authorisation checks, use SEPA’s official guidance. The waste-registration page explains the questions to ask when arranging a collection through this website.

Related service and practical next steps

Further guidance

SEPA: waste and authorisation guidance