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Disposal of old parts. For example Tub/Drums etc. I’m talking of now, even before we get to the WEEE directive and this is something which is becoming more of a problem; and I wonder how others manage this effectively.
If we make a call on insurance, or a chargeable job; and replace parts, there is bound to be the disposal issue on the old part. We are getting increasing cases where customers demand we remove the old tub/drum or fridge door etc. Being chargeable it is really their property, and if replaced on insurance ownership of the removed item may be an issue.
Most areas now have separate wheelie bins, and the poor old customers are unable to deal with this type of waste. To bring the goods back for us to dispose is an added cost, and each vehicle may need to have a trade waste carriers licence. (Something I’m not too sure about). Then we are presented with the problem and in greater scale than the customer. We are of course allowed so much waste, but if we go over, the local authority takes an interest.
Therefore it looks like someone has to pay for removal in each case. Regards chargeable calls I had thought of adding a disposal fee same as you see on an invoice for tyres or oil change from a van service. This would undermine the repair value even more. But that begs the question regards the rest, who pays and how should it be administrated?
Alex
Re: Disposal of old parts
For all jobs that we do, we leave the old parts with the customer.
My business is not licensed for waste carrying and therefore we will not remove it, as carrying waste (unlicensed) is a criminal offence. Big trouble if you are caught.
I have no intention of getting such a license, all customers who complain to us are referred to the respective work provider, chargeable calls are told before hand.
KevinI also leave parts with the customer as I’ve known abotu carrying waste for some years now and if you get caught it could be very painful.
So far as I am concerned waste removal is an additional service and I fully understand the logic in anyone charging for it or for pricing accordingly to account for the service.
K.
Re: Disposal of old parts
scrap metal/plastic/scrap complete machines goes to the scrap metal man who we pay. shop waste packing etc goes into green council refuse bags which we pay for (over a pound each and rising!!!!!!!) card we take to the local shopping centre service depot they have a machine and DONT charge. fridges we wont touch and advise customers to contact local council who do (except oap’s) most customers will dispose of rubber hoses belts carbons etc but we take away big items tubs etc if they can be recycled as above. any doubts leave it out, rather no job than a fine.
wilf
p.s. dont do like I did and ask the enviroment agengy for advice unless you want the third degree!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Re: Disposal of old parts
The thing that concerns me is what constitutes waste? I always leave the old parts with the customer if I do the job at the customers premises but things like tub changes I do at the workshop. Fortunately there is a man with van who takes my workshop waste in exchange for other help I give him. The bit that worries me is collecting machines for potential reconditioning. Are these classed as waste? You don’t know if they will be repaired or scrapped until they are inspected/tested. Perhaps it would make a difference if I purchased such machines for a small sum, say £1 (at present I only take machines offered freely). 😕
Re: Disposal of old parts
As I sell new machines and dispose of the old one for a fee, I invested in a waste transfer licence ,when I spoke to the EA they said any old parts or machines to be scrapped on my van were regarded as waste in transit so I needed a licence,they were a bit vague so I erred on the side of caution and got a licence ,as the consequences are dire from what I understand
LawrenceRe: Disposal of old parts
vague is the word!!!!!!!! as I see it if it goes to land fill i.e. the dustmen its waste, if it goes to recycle i.e. the scrapman its not its just materials.
when I rang the local council for a definition guess what ? they didnt know but the man who was trying to be helpfull said “when it comes to trying to sort this lot out thank god Im retiring”wilf
Re: Disposal of old parts
Vague is an understatement. If I buy an old wooden table or a chair from someone It would be my property and I would be allowed to take it home. If I buy a complete WMA outer drum from a little old lady for a £1 rather than leave it in her kitchen, it is my property but I am not allowed to take it home unless I have a license????
Re: Disposal of old parts
I don’t see a problem until you actually arrive at the dump with it. Until then it’s your word against theirs as to whether it’s “waste” or parts/machines you’re taking home to repair or salvage. Nevertheless, another good reason to give up the re-con trade if you needed one.
Mike.Re: Disposal of old parts
I’ve never done recon’s but the inner drum, drum front and in a lot of cases the drum support are re usable.
Re: Disposal of old parts
Sorry Iadom,
I didn’t mean “you” personally, I meant it as a general “you”. I gave up that side of the business myself more than 5 years ago. Far more hassle than it’s worth with new ones below £200.
Mike.Re: Disposal of old parts
Lets be clear on this,
No one is allowed to hande your waste, ie from one person to another, without the passing of “paperwork”.
The person giving the waste needs a receipt from the carrier, itemising the license number, the waste in question and the fee paid. If you don’t get this you are committing a criminal offence and the enviroment agency will prosecute. In law you are responsible for the “carrying out of the correct proceedures” when disposing or recycling waste. It’s also your own responsibility to keep up to date on the legislation, ignorance is NO defence.
If you are ever asked how you dispose of waste, do not answer until you have thought through your answer. If you are disposing items with your name on , remove your name, the enviroment agency trawl “fly tip” sites to prosecute everyone they can.
Therefore leaving your name on a box you leave with a customer can come back to bite you…….Kevin
Re: Disposal of old parts
Now you know why I started this thread. Absolute minefield.
I did not think of the point that Kevin raised though regards the customer Fly-Tipping the items. Fortunately in our case all parcels are part of a consignment, and we take off the delivery notes when accepting the parcels. So if some unscrupulous body decides to litter the countryside with old tubs & drums, it should not come back to haunt us.
At present we leave parts behind on all calls except E/Lux under guarantee. In those cases the parts need to go back for quality control. This begs the question are these parts deemed as waste or recycled or what? Gawd knows.
Now taking this further, and the point I was trying to make: if we are expected to return parts by any work provider, and we are breaking some law or code, will they cover our costs in applying and maintaining the carriers licence?
I only wish I had the time to research this.
Alex
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