The Basics

What Is SEPA?

SEPA stands for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. It's Scotland's environmental regulator, responsible for protecting and improving the environment. One of SEPA's key roles is regulating how waste is collected, transported and disposed of across Scotland.

Any person or business that transports controlled waste in Scotland must be registered with SEPA as an authorised waste carrier. This registration proves that the carrier has met SEPA's requirements and is legally permitted to handle your waste.

Our SEPA registration number is WCR/R/3011855. You can verify this directly on the SEPA website.

Our SEPA Licence

WCR/R/3011855

Cheaper Than A Skip Ltd -- Registered Waste Carrier

Your Legal Duty

The Risk of Using Unlicensed Carriers

You Could Be Fined Up to £5,000

Under Section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, you have a legal "duty of care" to ensure your waste is collected by a licensed carrier. If you hand your waste to an unlicensed operator -- even unknowingly -- you could be held responsible.

If your waste is fly-tipped by an unlicensed carrier, you could face a fixed penalty notice of up to £200 or, on conviction, a fine of up to £5,000.

Every year in Scotland, thousands of tonnes of waste are illegally dumped by unlicensed operators. These "man with a van" services may seem cheaper, but the consequences can be severe:

Fly-tipping: Unlicensed carriers often dump waste in rural areas, lay-bys, fields or woodland, causing environmental damage and costing councils millions to clean up.
Your details on the waste: If fly-tipped waste is traced back to you (through letters, documents or other identifying items), you could be prosecuted.
No Waste Transfer Note: Without a proper Waste Transfer Note, you have no proof your waste was handled legally.
Environmental damage: Illegally dumped waste contaminates soil, waterways and habitats, harming wildlife and communities.

Protect Yourself

How to Check if a Company Is SEPA Registered

Before hiring any waste carrier in Scotland, follow these steps:

Ask for their SEPA registration number. A legitimate waste carrier will have a Waste Carrier Registration (WCR) number and will be happy to provide it.
Verify it on the SEPA website. Visit the SEPA public register and search for the company name or registration number to confirm their licence is current and valid.
Ask for a Waste Transfer Note. A licensed carrier is legally required to provide you with a Waste Transfer Note for every collection. This is your proof that the waste was handed over to an authorised carrier.
Check for reviews and a physical address. Legitimate companies will have a registered business address, Google reviews and a visible track record. Be wary of operators advertising only through social media with no verifiable business details.

Responsible Disposal

What Happens to Your Waste After We Collect It

When we collect your waste, it doesn't just disappear. Here's the journey your items take:

Sorted & Separated

We sort everything we collect on site or at our facility. Metals, wood, textiles, electricals, garden waste and general waste are all separated for processing.

80%+ Recycled

Over 80% of what we collect is recycled or reused. Furniture in good condition goes to charity. Metals, wood and plastics go to licensed recycling facilities.

Waste Transfer Notes

Every collection comes with a Waste Transfer Note -- your legal proof that your waste was disposed of by a licensed carrier through proper channels.

Our Credentials

Why Trust Cheaper Than A Skip

SEPA Registered

WCR/R/3011855

Fully Insured

Public liability cover

DBS Checked

Background verified team

4.9/5 Rating

171 Google Reviews

Why SEPA Registration Matters