Duty of Care is a law which says that businesses must take all reasonable steps they can to keep waste safe. Waste must be stored safely and securely and must not cause pollution to people or the environment.
Waste must be packaged in suitable containers so that it cannot fall out, blow away or escape. It must be stored securely to prevent it causing pollution or harming anyone.
Waste must be secured against unauthorised removal as far as is reasonably practical. Security should be sufficient to prevent the breaking open of containers and removal of waste by seagulls, other animals or the weather.
Further information on how the Duty of Care effects businesses can be found at DEFRA and the Environment Agency. The full Duty of Care legislation can be found at the Office of Public Sector Information.
