Chapter 6 — Red Flags to Spot Rogue Operators

Before handing over your waste, look for warning signs.

If a quote appears too cheap to cover legitimate disposal fees, fuel, labour and insurance, ask yourself why.

If an operator cannot provide the appropriate waste carrier registration details, or says they are applying for it, do not assume they are authorised.

Statements such as, we will email it later, or, don't worry about the paperwork, should concern you.

A lack of proper business identification is not proof of illegal activity, but it is a reason to ask more questions.

A business that insists on cash and will not provide a receipt gives you a poor audit trail.

Be cautious of reviews that all appear at once, contain almost identical wording or provide little useful information.

A legitimate operator should be able to explain where the waste goes.

Ask how often the company uses its chosen disposal or transfer facility.

If an operator appears unsure about how fridges, asbestos, chemicals or other controlled materials should be handled, stop and investigate before proceeding.

If you see several warning signs, walk away.

There will always be another operator.

Your waste, and your legal responsibility, are not worth gambling over a cheap quote.