Accredited Waste Carrier Scheme

Leeds-based waste management company Divert has been accepted into the Leeds Accredited Waste Carrier Scheme (LAWCS), an initiative helping residents and businesses find trusted, compliant waste carriers.

Introduced by Leeds City Council in early 2024, the scheme aims to tackle illegal waste operations and reduce fly-tipping across the region. By creating a directory of vetted waste carriers, the council instils greater confidence for clients choosing who to entrust with their waste.

Divert’s acceptance into the scheme recognises the company’s commitment to responsible waste management, transparency, and full compliance with UK waste regulations.

What is the Leeds Accredited Waste Carrier Scheme?

The LAWCS was created to help residents avoid rogue waste collectors and ensure waste is disposed of legally and responsibly.
A study carried out before the scheme’s launch suggested that as many as 60% of waste carriers could be operating illegally. These operators often collect waste cheaply but then dump it in:

Back alleys
Private land
Parks and natural beauty spots
This harms the environment and shifts clean-up costs to local authorities.

The LAWCS helps address this problem by creating a directory of waste carriers that have passed a set of checks and agreed to operate to recognised standards. Members of the public can also leave feedback and ratings, helping others make informed decisions.

What businesses must do to become accredited

Joining the LAWCS requires businesses to meet strict requirements and pass background checks.
Applicants must provide detailed operational information, including:
Waste carrier registration numbers
Fleet details
The authorised disposal sites they use

Leeds City Council also ensures that applicants have no history of environmental crime and requires operators to agree to a code of good practice.

Divert successfully met these standards and has been accepted as an accredited member of the scheme.

Why illegal waste carriers remain a major issue

Fly tipping continues to be a growing problem across the UK. Government figures show there were 1.15 million fly-tipping incidents recorded in England during 2023/24.

Illegal operators often advertise cheap waste removal services but dispose of waste unlawfully. Instead of taking rubbish to licensed facilities, it may be dumped illegally.

This harms local environments and communities, putting residents and businesses at risk.

Under UK waste duty of care laws, anyone who produces waste must ensure it is handled by a licensed carrier and disposed of properly. If waste is fly-tipped after collection, the original waste producer could still face penalties.

Choosing an accredited waste carrier helps reduce this risk and ensures waste is handled responsibly.

Support for the scheme

John Verity, Managing Director at Divert, praised the council’s initiative and highlighted the wider benefits the scheme could bring:

“This scheme is a great way to help residents and businesses make informed decisions when choosing a waste carrier.”

“Rogue traders still operate in parts of the industry, with little regard for the environmental impact or the people who unknowingly use their services.”

“We’re proud to have become an accredited member and believe initiatives like this could benefit communities across the UK. Fly tipping continues to be a serious issue, and schemes that bring transparency to the sector are an important step forward.”

Why choosing an accredited waste carrier matters

For both residents and businesses, choosing a legitimate waste carrier is essential.

Licensed and accredited waste companies follow strict regulations when transporting and disposing of waste. They ensure rubbish is taken to authorised facilities where it can be:

Recycled
Reused
Safely disposed of
Using a reputable carrier helps protect the environment and ensures waste producers meet their legal duty of care. The LAWCS make it easier for people in Leeds to identify vetted and approved waste carriers.

Divert’s commitment to responsible waste management

Divert helps households and businesses across Yorkshire dispose of waste responsibly and reliably.

Based in Leeds, the company operates a fleet of purple trucks, vans, and bins that collect a wide range of waste. All waste collected by Divert is diverted away from landfill and handled through authorised disposal facilities.

You can view our LAWCS listing to find out more about Divert’s accreditation and the standards required by the scheme.