Terms of Service

1. Agreement to Terms

By accessing and using the WasteLocate EWC Waste Management System ("Service," "Platform," "Website"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms," "Agreement"). This Agreement applies to all users, visitors, and others who access or use the Service.

If you do not agree to these Terms, you must immediately discontinue use of the Service.

1.1 Who May Use the Service

• You must be at least 18 years old to create an account
• You must provide accurate and complete registration information
• You must have the legal capacity to enter into binding contracts
• If using on behalf of a company, you must be authorized to bind that entity
• You must not be prohibited from using the Service under UK law

1.2 Accepting These Terms

By:

• Creating an account
• Making a purchase
• Using any part of the Service

You acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy.

2. Service Description

WasteLocate provides an online platform connecting waste producers, hauliers, and disposal facilities through:

3. User Accounts

3.1 Account Creation and Security

• Registration: You must provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration
• Account Security: You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your password and account
• Account Activity: You are responsible for all activities under your account
• Unauthorized Access: Notify us immediately at info@wastelocate.co.uk if you suspect unauthorized access
• One Account: You may only create one account unless explicitly authorized by us

3.2 Account Types and Features

3.3 Account Termination

By You: You may close your account at any time through account settings or by contacting info@wastelocate.co.uk

By Us: We may suspend or terminate your account if you:

• Violate these Terms
• Provide false or misleading information
• Engage in fraudulent activity
• Abuse or misuse the Service
• Fail to pay fees when due
• Create legal liability for us or other users

4. Payment Terms

4.1 Pricing and Fees

• All prices are in British Pounds Sterling (GBP, £)
• We reserve the right to change prices with 30 days' notice
• Existing subscriptions maintain original pricing until next renewal
• Promotional pricing may have specific terms and expiration dates

4.2 Payment Processing

Payments are processed securely through Stripe, a PCI DSS Level 1 certified payment processor. By providing payment information, you:

• Authorize us to charge the applicable fees to your payment method
• Represent that you are authorized to use the payment method provided
• Agree to keep payment information current and accurate
• Accept responsibility for all charges incurred

We do not store full credit card details on our servers.

4.3 Subscription Billing (Pro Plans)

• Auto-Renewal: Subscriptions renew automatically at the end of each billing period
• Billing Date: You'll be charged on the same day each month/year as your initial subscription
• Failed Payments: If payment fails, we'll retry up to 3 times. Account may be downgraded if payment cannot be processed
• Cancellation: Cancel anytime before next billing date. Access continues until end of paid period
• No Partial Refunds: No refunds for unused time on monthly subscriptions

4.4 Pay-As-You-Go Terms

• Credit Purchase: £10 purchases 5 search credits
• No Expiration: Credits never expire as long as account remains active
• Non-Refundable: Credits cannot be refunded once first search is used
• Not Transferable: Credits cannot be transferred between accounts
• No Automatic Renewal: You must manually purchase additional credits when needed

4.5 Invoicing

• Invoices are sent via email after each successful payment
• Invoices are available in your account for 7 years

5. Refund Policy

5.1 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee (Pro Annual Only)

5.2 No Refunds For

• Pay-As-You-Go Credits: Non-refundable after first search credit is used
• Pro Monthly Subscriptions: No partial refunds; cancel anytime to stop future charges
• Pro Annual After 30 Days: No refunds after the 30-day guarantee period
• Promotional/Discounted Plans: Unless explicitly stated otherwise
• Services Already Rendered: Searches already performed, data already accessed

5.3 Disputed Charges

If you believe you've been charged incorrectly, contact us at info@wastelocate.co.uk within 60 days of the charge. We'll investigate and respond within 10 business days. Do not initiate a chargeback before contacting us.

5.4 Refund Processing

• Approved refunds are processed to original payment method
• Processing time: 5-10 business days
• Bank processing may add additional 3-5 business days
• You'll receive email confirmation when refund is processed

6. Acceptable Use Policy

You agree to use our Service only for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Terms. You agree NOT to:

6.1 Prohibited Activities

• Illegal Use: Use the Service for any unlawful purpose or in violation of any local, national, or international law
• Fraud: Provide false or misleading information, impersonate others, or engage in fraudulent activity
• System Abuse: Attempt to gain unauthorized access, overload systems, or introduce malware/viruses
• Data Scraping: Use automated systems (bots, scrapers) to access or download data without written permission
• Circumvention: Bypass security measures, search limits, or payment systems
• Resale: Resell access to the Service without explicit written authorization
• Spam: Send unsolicited communications through or using our platform
• Reverse Engineering: Attempt to reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble any part of the Service
• Content Misuse: Copy, distribute, or create derivative works from our database without permission
• Harassment: Harass, threaten, or harm other users or facilities

6.2 Consequences of Violations

Violation of this Acceptable Use Policy may result in:

• Immediate account suspension or termination
• Forfeiture of all unused credits/subscription time (no refund)
• Reporting to law enforcement if illegal activity suspected
• Legal action to recover damages
• Permanent ban from creating future accounts

7. Intellectual Property Rights

7.1 Our Intellectual Property

The Service and all content, features, and functionality (including but not limited to software, databases, text, graphics, logos, icons, and design) are owned by WasteLocate and are protected by UK and international copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

You may NOT:

• Reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works from our content
• Use our trademarks, logos, or branding without written permission
• Remove copyright or proprietary notices
• Frame or mirror any part of the Service

7.2 Limited License to Users

We grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to access and use the Service for your personal or internal business use only, subject to these Terms.

7.3 Third-Party Content

Facility information, EWC codes, and regulatory guidance are compiled from public sources and third-party data. We do not claim ownership of this information but hold rights to our compilation, organization, and presentation.

7.4 Feedback

Any feedback, suggestions, or ideas you provide about the Service become our property. We may use them without obligation, compensation, or restriction.

8. Disclaimers and Limitation of Liability

8.2 No Professional Advice

WasteLocate does NOT provide:

• Legal advice or legal services
• Waste classification services
• Environmental consulting services
• Professional recommendations or endorsements

You should consult qualified professionals for specific advice related to waste management, regulatory compliance, and environmental law.

8.3 Third-Party Facilities

WasteLocate is an information platform only. We:

• Do NOT verify, guarantee, or warrant facility capabilities, licenses, or compliance
• Are NOT a party to contracts or arrangements between you and facilities
• Do NOT assume liability for facility actions, omissions, or misrepresentations
• Do NOT guarantee facility availability, pricing accuracy, or service quality

You are solely responsible for verifying facility permits, capabilities, and compliance before engaging their services.

8.4 Data Accuracy

While we strive for accuracy, we do NOT guarantee:

• Completeness or currency of facility information
• Accuracy of pricing or capacity data
• Correctness of EWC code descriptions
• Availability of facilities listed

Always verify information independently and consult official sources.

8.5 Limitation of Liability

8.6 Consumer Rights (UK)

Nothing in these Terms affects your statutory rights as a consumer under UK law, including the Consumer Rights Act 2015. If you are a consumer, certain liability limitations may not apply to you.

9. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless WasteLocate, its directors, officers, employees, agents, and affiliates from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, or expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising from or related to:

• Your use or misuse of the Service
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any law or regulation
• Your violation of any third-party rights (including intellectual property or privacy rights)
• Your provision of false or misleading information
• Your transactions or disputes with waste facilities
• Any content you submit through the Service

This indemnification obligation survives termination of these Terms and your use of the Service.

10. User Responsibilities and Compliance

10.1 Waste Classification

You are solely responsible for:

• Correctly classifying your waste according to UK regulations and WM3 guidance
• Determining whether waste is hazardous or non-hazardous
• Conducting appropriate testing and analysis where required
• Maintaining accurate waste transfer documentation

10.2 Legal Compliance

You must comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including but not limited to:

• The Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011
• The Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2005
• Waste Duty of Care Code of Practice
• Environmental Permitting Regulations
• All applicable health and safety legislation

10.3 Facility Verification

Before engaging any facility, you must:

• Verify the facility's environmental permit and authorizations
• Confirm they are authorized to accept your specific waste type
• Ensure they have adequate capacity and capability
• Obtain and review waste transfer notes
• Conduct due diligence as required by Duty of Care obligations

10.4 Information Accuracy

You must:

• Provide accurate information about your waste
• Update your account information when it changes
• Notify us of any errors in facility information
• Report suspected fraudulent or non-compliant facilities

11. Service Availability and Modifications

11.1 Service Availability

We strive to provide continuous service but do not guarantee uninterrupted access. The Service may be unavailable due to:

• Scheduled maintenance (notified in advance when possible)
• Emergency repairs or security updates
• Third-party service provider outages
• Events beyond our reasonable control (force majeure)

We are not liable for any losses resulting from service unavailability.

11.2 Service Modifications

We reserve the right to:

• Modify, suspend, or discontinue any part of the Service at any time
• Add or remove features
• Change subscription plans or pricing (with notice)
• Impose limits on features (e.g., search limits, export limits)

We will provide reasonable notice of significant changes. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Service.

11.3 Content Updates

Facility information, EWC codes, and other content are updated periodically but may not be current at all times. We do not guarantee real-time updates.

12. Privacy and Data Protection

Your privacy is important to us. Our collection, use, and protection of your personal data is governed by our Privacy Policy, which forms part of these Terms.

By using the Service, you consent to:

• Collection and processing of your data as described in the Privacy Policy
• Use of cookies and similar technologies
• Communication from us regarding your account and the Service

We comply with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. You have rights regarding your personal data - see our Privacy Policy for details.

13. Third-Party Links and Services

The Service may contain links to third-party websites, services, or resources (including waste facility websites). These links are provided for convenience only.

We are NOT responsible for:

• Content, accuracy, or availability of third-party sites
• Privacy practices of third-party sites (review their policies)
• Products, services, or information offered by third parties
• Your interactions or transactions with third parties

Links do not imply endorsement. We do not endorse, warrant, or guarantee any third-party service or facility.

14. Dispute Resolution

14.1 Informal Resolution

Before initiating formal proceedings, please contact us at info@wastelocate.co.uk to resolve disputes informally. We'll make good faith efforts to resolve issues within 30 days.

14.2 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales, without regard to conflict of law provisions.

14.3 Jurisdiction

Any disputes arising from these Terms or the Service shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

14.4 Consumer Rights

If you are a consumer in the UK, you may have additional rights under consumer protection laws. Nothing in these Terms affects your statutory rights.

15. General Provisions

15.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and WasteLocate regarding the Service, superseding any prior agreements.

15.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision shall be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

15.3 Waiver

Our failure to enforce any right or provision of these Terms does not constitute a waiver of that right or provision. Any waiver must be in writing and signed by us.

15.4 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer these Terms or your account without our written consent. We may assign our rights and obligations without restriction (e.g., in case of merger or acquisition).

15.5 Force Majeure

We are not liable for any failure or delay in performance due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, war, terrorism, pandemics, natural disasters, government actions, or telecommunications failures.

15.6 Notices

Notices to you may be sent via email to your registered address or by posting on the Service. Notices to us should be sent to: info@wastelocate.co.uk

15.7 Survival

Provisions that by their nature should survive termination (including intellectual property rights, disclaimers, limitations of liability, indemnification, and dispute resolution) shall survive termination of these Terms.

16. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or business operations.

How We'll Notify You:

• Email notification to your registered address
• Prominent notice on the website or in your account
• Updated "Last Updated" date at the top of this page

Material Changes:

For significant changes (e.g., changes affecting payment terms, liability limitations, or dispute resolution), we'll provide at least 30 days' notice before they take effect.

Your Options:

• Accept: Continue using the Service (constitutes acceptance of new Terms)
• Reject: Discontinue use and close your account before changes take effect

We recommend reviewing these Terms periodically. Your continued use after changes take effect means you accept the updated Terms.

17. Contact Information

Support Hours

• Email Support: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm GMT (24-48 hour response time)
• Pro Users: Priority support with faster response times
• Emergency Issues: Clearly mark emails as "URGENT" for critical account issues

18. Acknowledgment