Waste transfer notes: what businesses need to know
If your business produces waste, you have to record where it goes. A waste transfer note is how you do that.
Every business has a legal duty of care for the waste it produces, under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. A waste transfer note is the paperwork that proves you handed it to someone allowed to take it.
Who needs one
Any business passing waste to a carrier, broker or disposal site: builders, shops, offices, landlords clearing a property, cafés. The note is completed each time waste changes hands.
What it must include
- A description of the waste, how it is packed and how much there is
- The European Waste Catalogue (EWC) code
- Names and addresses of both parties
- The date and place of the transfer
- Confirmation that the waste hierarchy has been applied
- Signatures from both sides
How long to keep it
At least two years. The Environment Agency or your council can ask to see them.
Regular collections
If the same type of waste is collected regularly, one "season ticket" note can cover up to a year of collections instead of a new note each time.
What happens if you do not
You can be fined, and if your waste is fly-tipped by an unlicensed carrier, you can be held responsible. Always check the carrier is on the Environment Agency public register.
We are a licensed waste carrier (CBDU541636) and give a transfer note with every collection.