How to Choose a Licensed House Clearance Company
If your waste ends up dumped by the roadside, you could be the one who is fined. Here is how to check a clearance company properly before you book.
Carried out by Kwikshift Removals & Storage · licensed waste carrier · £10m insured
Updated 6 October 2026
Why the Licence Matters to You
Most people think of a clearance as the company's problem once the van drives away. The law doesn't see it that way.
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, everyone who lives in a home has a "duty of care" for their household waste. You must take all reasonable steps to make sure you only hand it to someone who is allowed to take it. That covers old furniture, mattresses and electrical items as well as bin bags.
If your waste is fly-tipped and traced back to you, and you can't show you checked the company, the council can give you a fixed penalty. Government guidance sets this at between £150 and £600. You could also be prosecuted, which can mean a fine and a criminal record.
The good news is that the checks are free, quick and simple. The four steps below cover everything a householder needs to do. They are worth doing every time you hand waste to someone else, whether it is a whole house or one old sofa.
Step 1: Check the Waste Carrier Register
This takes two minutes and is the most important check.
- Ask the company for their waste carrier registration number. In England it starts with CBDU.
- Go to the Environment Agency's public register of waste carriers, brokers and dealers.
- Search by the number, the business name or the postcode.
- Check the name matches, the registration is in date, and it says upper tier.
Upper tier is what a business needs to carry other people's waste. Lower tier is mainly for people carrying their own waste, and for charities. GOV.UK says that if a charity collects items from you, you should check it is on the register as lower tier.
Write down the number, or take a screenshot. There is no legal need to keep a record, but the government's code of practice says it can quickly show you met your duty if anything goes wrong.
Step 2: Know What Paperwork to Expect
A waste transfer note is a record of what waste was handed over, by whom and to whom. The waste duty of care code of practice says householders clearing their own household waste don't need one.
Even so, it is wise to keep:
- a receipt or invoice with the company's name and address;
- a photo of their waste carrier registration;
- the van's registration number.
Landlords, letting agents and businesses are different. The code of practice says waste from clearing a property after it has been vacated, such as a landlord clearing a rental, is not household waste. Then the full duty of care applies, including waste transfer notes. See our guide to end of tenancy clearances.
Step 3: Check Insurance and Get a Written Quote
Insurance. Public liability insurance isn't a legal requirement for a clearance company, but a reputable firm will have it. It covers injury to others and accidental damage to the property, such as a scraped wall or a broken banister. Ask to see the certificate.
Written quote. A proper quote should say:
- which rooms and spaces are included (loft, garage, shed, garden);
- whether fridges, TVs, mattresses and sofas cost extra;
- whether disposal costs are included;
- whether the price is fixed, or could change on the day;
- what they will do with any papers or personal items they find.
For a guide to typical prices, see how much house clearance costs.
Want a written quote from a registered waste carrier?
Send the postcode, preferred date, access details and a few photos and Kwikshift will come back with a free quote.
Get a Free QuoteStep 4: Ask a Few Simple Questions
A good company will be happy to answer these. If they get vague or annoyed, take that as a sign.
- What is your waste carrier registration number?
- Can I see your insurance certificate?
- Is your price fixed? What could make it change?
- Where will my waste go?
- What happens to furniture that someone could still use?
- What will you do if you find money, papers or photos?
- Do I need to be there on the day?
It also works the other way. A careful company will ask you questions too: about stairs, parking, the loft and garage, and anything heavy or awkward. If someone quotes a firm price without asking or seeing photos, the price may well change on the day.
Warning Signs
Be wary if a company or person:
Can't give a CBDU number
Or gives one that doesn't match their name on the register.
Knocks on your door
The code of practice says you still need to check anyone who approaches you offering to take waste away.
Is far cheaper than everyone else
Checkatrade warns that very low clearance prices are often too good to be true. Proper disposal costs money.
Won't put anything in writing
No quote, no invoice, no business address, or cash only with no receipt.
Can't say where the waste goes
A genuine company will tell you it goes to licensed sites, and what happens to items that can be reused.
Only advertises on social media
Not always a problem, but check the register even more carefully.
How Kwikshift Can Help
All our house clearances are carried out by Kwikshift Removals Ltd, an upper tier waste carrier (registration CBDU232762) with £10 million public liability insurance. Waste goes to licensed sites, and you can ask for paperwork. Check the register yourself, then send a few photos for a free written quote.
Trusted by Hundreds of Customers
Every job is carried out by Kwikshift Removals & Storage, an established removals, clearance and storage company with over 15 years in the trade.
What customers say about Kwikshift
- Friendly, efficient crews, often praised by name
- Belongings handled with care, from furniture to fragile items
- Clear communication from first enquiry to the finished job
Frequently Asked Questions
Book a Licensed, Insured Clearance
Tell us what needs clearing, moving or storing. Kwikshift aims to reply promptly during business hours, normally within 60 minutes.