FAQs
I pay my Council Tax, why am now I being asked to pay for waste services at my self catering accommodation property?
Council Tax includes charges for the collection of domestic household waste only.
Non-Domestic Rates, also known as Business Rates, do not.
Because your property is on the Non-Domestic Rates list on the Valuation Roll and a declaration has been made that the property will operate as self catering accommodation for at least 140 days of any year then waste generated is classed as trade waste.
The Non-Domestic Rates list includes shops, offices, warehouses, factories, self catering accommodation and any other property that is not classed as domestic property.
Do other accommodation providers pay for their waste to be collected?
Yes, all businesses including accommodation providers such as hotels pay for trade waste to be collected. This includes organisations such as sports clubs and charitable groups.
What do I have to do for my current service to continue?
We can continue your service if you enter into trade waste contracts with us. Both general waste and recycling contracts were enclosed with the letter you should have received.
You are under no obligation to use us as there are other waste management companies who may offer a similar service.
What will the service cost?
For a full year at 2019-20 prices, the charge for a fortnightly service for a standard 190 litre general waste bin is £114.97, and for a standard 240 litre recycling bin it is £105.97.
The contracts which were enclosed with your letter show the costs for the remainder of the contract year for the standard 190 and 240 bins, which is less than a full year.
What are my responsibilities?
Every organisation and business has a legal responsibility known as a Duty of Care for waste they generate. This means you must:
- ensure your waste is transferred to an authorised collector such as the local authority or a reputable waste contractor
- store your waste securely so it does not cause litter or attract vermin
- complete an annual waste transfer note for any transfer of waste and retain a copy of this note for two years
It is not acceptable to place all waste in one bin, all paper, cardboard, metal, glass and plastics must be separated from general waste for recycling.
I would like more information please
Enquiries can be made to:
- phone: 01835 825111
- email: Tradewaste@scotborders.gov.uk