Your waste is your responsibility. Most people understand that fly tipping is illegal and if you see fly tipping you should
report it to WLC, but did you know that you can be held responsible if you pay someone to remove your waste and they dump it? If an offer to collect and dispose of your waste sounds to good to be true it probably is. Next time you need to get rid of some bulky household waste follow the tips below -
Could someone else use it? One person's rubbish is another person's treasure. Would you love it again if you gave it a quick lick of paint? Could you get crafty and turn it into something else that's of more use to you? Can you sell it online or donate it to a charity? There are several charities in West Lothian, like
Home Aid (opens new window) who will collect bulky items in good condition, free of charge.
Can you get it to a Recycling Centre? There are 5 recycling centres in West Lothian. You'll find all the information you need on our Community Recycling Centres pages. If you drive a van or have a trailer, you'll need to book a slot in advanceto dispose of household waste. The Recycling Centres can not accept business/commercial waste.
Do you need a bulky uplift? WLC provides a bulky uplift service for West Lothian residents. You will need to book your Bulky Uplift online or by phoning the customer call centre on 01506 280000. It costs £36.58 for up to 5 items. This charge is for collecting and disposing of your waste, but the actual cost to WLC can be more than this depending on the weight of your items. Why not split the cost with neighbours if they have things to get rid of too? If you are disposing of of an item because you're buying something new, check if the company will take your old item away when they deliver.
Paying a company to collect your waste? It is your responsibility to check that anyone you pay to collect and dispose of your waste is genuine and will take the waste to a properly licenced waste disposal site. You should ask for their Waste Carrier Registration number and check it against SEPA's Waste Carriers Register (opens new window). Keep a note of these and ask for a receipt which confirms what they have taken and where they will dispose of it. If you cannot show that you have taken reasonable steps to insure the safe and legal disposal of your waste you will be held responsible if the waste is later found dumped.
