Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our SEPA-registered waste removal services, legal compliance, pricing, and environmental commitment.
About Us & Compliance
Are you SEPA registered?
Yes, Borders Waste Solutions Ltd is fully SEPA registered with registration number SC878865. This means we are legally authorised to collect, transport, and dispose of waste in Scotland. Our registration is publicly verifiable on the SEPA website.
Do you provide Waste Transfer Notes?
Yes, we provide Waste Transfer Notes for every job as legal proof that your waste was collected by a registered carrier and disposed of at authorised facilities. This documentation is required under the Waste (Scotland) Regulations 2012 and proves you’ve met your Duty of Care obligations. We retain these records for a minimum of 2 years as required by law.
What is Duty of Care and why does it matter?
Duty of Care is a legal obligation under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 requiring anyone producing waste to ensure it’s handled, transported, and disposed of properly. If you use an unregistered waste carrier, you can be prosecuted and fined even if you didn’t know they were illegal. Using Borders Waste Solutions Ltd (SEPA registered) ensures you comply with the law.
Do you have public liability insurance?
Yes, we carry comprehensive public liability insurance covering our operations. This protects you and your property during the clearance process. We can provide proof of insurance on request.
Pricing & Quotes
How do you calculate pricing?
Our pricing is volume-based, meaning you pay for the actual amount of waste we remove, measured in van loads. We assess the volume during a site visit or from photos you provide. Factors affecting cost include: total volume of waste, type of waste (some materials require specialist disposal), access difficulty (stairs, narrow passages), and distance from our Hawick base.
Is there a minimum charge?
Yes, we have a minimum charge to cover our two-person team, vehicle costs, and disposal fees. However, this is often more cost-effective than skip hire when you factor in skip permit costs, waiting times, and the fact you don’t need to load it yourself.
Do you charge extra for heavy items?
Heavy items are included in our standard volume-based pricing. Our two-person team handles all loading, so you don’t need to worry about moving heavy furniture, appliances, or other bulky items. Extremely heavy items (like safes or industrial equipment) may require specialist equipment, which we’ll discuss during the quote.
Can I get a quote without photos?
Yes, but photos help us provide the most accurate quote. Without photos, we may need to arrange a free site visit to assess the volume of waste. Alternatively, you can describe the items and quantities, but the final price may be adjusted on the day if the volume differs significantly from your description.
Services
Do you offer same-day service?
We aim to accommodate urgent requests where possible, but same-day service depends on our schedule and availability. For the best chance of quick service, contact us as early in the day as possible. Most jobs are completed within 2-3 working days of quote acceptance.
Do I need to be present during the clearance?
Not necessarily. Many customers arrange for us to collect keys from a neighbour, estate agent, or solicitor. However, we recommend being present for the initial assessment if possible, especially for probate clearances where you may want to identify items of value or sentimental importance before we begin.
Can you clear a property while I'm at work?
Yes, as long as we have access to the property. Many customers provide keys or arrange for a keyholder to let us in. We’ll secure the property when we leave and return keys as agreed.
Do you work weekends?
Weekend availability varies depending on our schedule. We primarily operate Monday to Friday, but we can sometimes accommodate weekend work for urgent clearances or customers who cannot be available during the week. Please ask when requesting your quote.
Recycling & Environment
What percentage of waste do you recycle?
We aim to recycle or reuse as much as possible, typically achieving 60-80% diversion from landfill depending on the waste type. We segregate waste on-site into categories: metals, wood, electronics, furniture for reuse, and general waste. Items in good condition are donated to local charities where appropriate.
Where does the waste go?
All waste is taken to SEPA-authorised facilities in Scotland. Recyclable materials go to licensed recycling centres, reusable items to charity partners or reuse centres, and residual waste to licensed waste transfer stations. We never use illegal fly-tipping or unauthorised disposal sites.
Can you donate items to charity?
Yes, if you have items in good condition that you’d like donated rather than disposed of, we can arrange this. We work with local Scottish Borders charities and can deliver suitable items on your behalf. Please let us know during the quote process if you’d like this service.
Do you handle WEEE waste (electrical items)?
Yes, we’re authorised to collect Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). This includes fridges, freezers, washing machines, TVs, computers, and other electrical items. These are taken to specialist WEEE recycling facilities where hazardous components are safely removed and materials are recovered.
Hazardous Waste
Can you remove asbestos?
No, we cannot remove asbestos or asbestos-containing materials. Asbestos removal requires specialist licensed contractors with specific training and equipment. If you suspect asbestos in your property (common in pre-2000 buildings), you must arrange for a licensed asbestos removal company before we can proceed with general clearance.
What about paint, chemicals, or solvents?
We cannot accept hazardous chemicals, paints, solvents, or similar materials. These require specialist hazardous waste disposal. Your local council’s household waste recycling centre may accept small quantities of household chemicals. For larger quantities or commercial chemicals, you’ll need a specialist hazardous waste contractor.
Can you remove gas cylinders?
No, we cannot accept gas cylinders (propane, butane, oxygen, etc.) as they are pressurised and potentially hazardous. These should be returned to the supplier or taken to a specialist facility. Your local recycling centre may accept empty, depressurised cylinders.
What about medical or clinical waste?
We cannot accept medical or clinical waste, including sharps, medications, or healthcare-related items. These require specialist clinical waste disposal services. Contact your GP surgery or local NHS board for guidance on disposing of medical waste safely.
Bookings & Process
How far in advance do I need to book?
We recommend booking at least 3-5 working days in advance to secure your preferred date, especially during busy periods. However, we often accommodate shorter notice for urgent clearances. Contact us as soon as you know you need our services.
What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule?
We understand that circumstances change. Please give us as much notice as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule. Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice may incur a cancellation fee to cover our scheduling costs, but we’ll always try to be flexible and understanding.
Do you require a deposit?
For most residential jobs, we don’t require a deposit and payment is due on completion. For larger commercial clearances or probate work, we may request a deposit to secure the booking. This will be discussed during the quote process.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, bank transfer, and most major debit/credit cards. Payment is typically due on completion of the work. For larger jobs, we can arrange staged payments if needed.
What if the volume is more than estimated?
If the actual volume of waste is significantly more than estimated from photos or your description, we’ll inform you before proceeding. You can choose to proceed with the additional cost, reduce the scope of the clearance, or reschedule. We’ll never charge you more without your agreement.
About Us & Compliance
Are you SEPA registered?
Yes, Borders Waste Solutions Ltd is fully SEPA registered with registration number SC878865. This means we are legally authorised to collect, transport, and dispose of waste in Scotland. Our registration is publicly verifiable on the SEPA website.
Do you provide Waste Transfer Notes?
Yes, we provide Waste Transfer Notes for every job as legal proof that your waste was collected by a registered carrier and disposed of at authorised facilities. This documentation is required under the Waste (Scotland) Regulations 2012 and proves you’ve met your Duty of Care obligations. We retain these records for a minimum of 2 years as required by law.
What is Duty of Care and why does it matter?
Duty of Care is a legal obligation under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 requiring anyone producing waste to ensure it’s handled, transported, and disposed of properly. If you use an unregistered waste carrier, you can be prosecuted and fined even if you didn’t know they were illegal. Using Borders Waste Solutions Ltd (SEPA registered) ensures you comply with the law.
Do you have public liability insurance?
Yes, we carry comprehensive public liability insurance covering our operations. This protects you and your property during the clearance process. We can provide proof of insurance on request.