Household Recycling Centres: Waste Access and Acceptance Policy (WAAP)

B1.1. Buckinghamshire HRCs accept a wide variety of waste categories. This appendix details the categories of waste not accepted at HRCs:

• clinical and offensive waste (section 3.7)
• carcasses (including domestic pets) and faeces. However, quantities of animal bedding equivalent to 1 to 2 bags per week are permitted from small domestic pets where this is double bagged.
• hazardous waste – see hazardous waste list (section B3)
• un-sectioned trees that cannot be easily lifted by customers or site staff
• flammable liquids and explosives (e.g. petrol/fireworks/ammunition)
• commercial vehicle tyres
• other waste that poses a risk to health or property – staff at the HRC have a right to refuse any waste that falls into this category
• trade waste, except brought by a licensed waste carrier and only at designated sites- residents have a legal Duty of Care to ensure that anyone who collected waste from their property is legally authorised to take, transport, and dispose of it safely (see section B2.2 below)

B2.1 Residents are encouraged to explore alternative arrangements for disposal of excess waste arising from undertaking refurbishments within their home, such as:

• reuse items where possible, for example via online sites like eBay, Facebook Marketplace or Freegle where the items can be posted for free
• hiring a skip
• using a ‘waste bag’ service, for example those available at DIY stores
• using a private waste or recycling facility
• employing a legitimate waste contractor

B1.2 Residents should always follow the S.C.R.A.P. code if you are having household waste removed:

S - Suspect all waste carriers; do not let them take your waste until they have proven themselves to be legitimate. A professional waste carrier should happily answer reasonable questions.

C - Check that a waste carrier is registered on the Environment Agency's website.

R - Refuse any unexpected offers to have your rubbish taken away. If you suspect that someone you have spoken to will be disposing of waste illegally, report them to the Environment Agency.

A - Ask what will happen to your rubbish and seek evidence that it is going to be disposed of appropriately.

P - Paperwork must be obtained: a proper invoice, waste transfer note or receipt, including a description of the waste being removed and the waste carrier’s contact details.

B3.1 There are some types of waste which could put human health or the environment at risk because of their chemical or biological nature.

B3.2 The council accepts this waste so long as it is in accordance with normal household use. For this reason, the amount of waste deposited may be monitored.

B3.3 For the purpose of this policy, hazardous waste includes, but is not limited to: chemicals (e.g. garden chemicals and oil-based paints), bonded asbestos, fluorescent tubes, ovens, hobs, and LPG cylinders.

B3.4 The following annual limitations apply to hazardous waste to keep it in line with normal household use: 4 fluorescent tubes, 2 car batteries, 10 litres engine oil, 5 litres chemicals and 2 LPG cylinders.

B4.1 Only certain HRC sites are licensed to accept asbestos waste. These are Amersham, Aston Clinton, Aylesbury (Rabans Lane)[1], Beaconsfield, High Wycombe, and Langley.

B4.2 These HRCs will accept household items which contain asbestos, subject to the amount of items coming within normal household use. A permit is required, which is free of charge.

B4.3 Charges will be applied for the disposal of asbestos associated with non-household construction and industrial waste.

B4.4 Charities and Traders wishing to dispose of asbestos can make use of the chargeable disposal arrangements as listed at specific HRCs as set out in point B4.1 above.

B4.5 Asbestos must be removed by specialist asbestos removal and disposal contractors. These can be found in the local telephone directory, online or by contacting members of the Asbestos Removal Contractors Association.