Bogus Waste Collectors

Galway County Council is committed to clamping down on illegal Waste Collectors and “Man in the Van” type operations.   Bogus Waste Collectors advertise their services by means of flyers inserted into letterboxes or on social media.   The services advertised include the removal of all types of waste.    

It is a criminal offence to use the services of Bogus Waste Collectors to remove and dispose of waste.   

All waste collectors must hold a valid Waste Collection Permit issued by the National Waste Collection Permit Office (NWCPO).    A full list of registered Waste Collectors can be viewed on their website.    As part of their permit conditions, all registered waste collectors must have their Permit Numbers displayed on their van/lorry and carry a copy of their permit in their vehicle.   

Always check that any Waste Collector you employ is authorised.   

If an individual or a 'man with a van' offers to take away your waste cheaply, there is every chance that your waste will end up being dumped – in a bog, in a field, on a country lane.   If this happens and the waste is then traced back to you, you will be responsible for cleaning it up and will receive a fine of anything from €150 to €3,000 on conviction in court.   Ultimately, it is your responsibility as a waste holder to ensure that your waste is disposed of correctly. 

You are liable for prosecution if your waste is found illegally dumped.   

If you are approached by someone offering to take your waste away and you suspect that they are unpermitted, or if you see them advertising online, please report it immediately in confidence to the Environment Section.