A NEW online service is helping residents in Malvern Hills and Wychavon districts to avoid rogue waste carriers and prevent fly-tipping, writes Lily Bedford.
WasteGuard allows residents to obtain quotes from waste carriers who have been checked for a valid licence and responsible waste disposal practices at the time of listing.
By choosing a source from the site, people can be sure they have met their legal obligation under specific laws to make sure their rubbish is disposed of in a professional manner.
People are free to use waste carriers who are not signed up to WasteGuard, but are encouraged to follow the code of ‘SCRAP’.
S – Suspect all waste carriers
C – Check they are authorised and have a licence
R – Refuse any unexpected offers
A – Ask where the waste is going
P – Paperwork – keep proof as receipts or waste transfer note
Those who do not follow the code could face fixed penalty notices of up to £600, prosecution, or a court fine up to £5,000 if their waste is illegally dumped.
As part of the ‘Who’s taking your waste out?’ campaign, eye-catching adverts show people on unusual dates with commonly fly-tipped items such as sofas, used tyres and bags of rubbish. It aims to convey the message that everyone is responsible for knowing who is taking their waste and where it is ending up.
Hilton Clearance, a Kempsey firm which launched in 2024, was the first waste carrier company to sign up for WasteGuard.
Owner Dave Hilton said he was extremely proud his company was recognised by the scheme.
“We are committed to operating legally, ethically and responsibly, giving customers complete confidence that their waste is handled correctly.”
He added joining WasteGuard had helped his business.
“Since launching in September 2024, Hilton Clearance has built a reputation for trust, reliability and transparency, earning over 380 five-star reviews.
“We would like to thank WasteGuard for their recognition and continued support.”
Coun Jeremy Owenson, Malvern Hills District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Environment, added: “Rogue traders often undercut legitimate businesses and then dispose of waste illegally.
“WasteGuard gives people a straightforward way to find trusted providers while supporting out wider efforts to crack down on fly-tipping.”
And Coun Beverley Hardman, Wychavon’s Executive Board Member for Environment, said: “Most residents want to do the right thing when getting rid of unwanted items, but it can sometimes be difficult to know who to trust.
“WasteGuard takes away that uncertainty, helping residents meet their responsibilities and play a part in tackling fly-tipping.”
Visit malvernhills.gov.uk/waste-and-recycling/wasteguard or: wychavon.gov.uk/environmental-crime/wasteguard for more on the scheme.
