Waste Carriers

Are you affected?
Exemptions
What is required?
Fees
How can I check if a carrier is registered?
Further information

 

Are you affected?

If you are having waste collected, it is a requirement of the Duty of Care that you ensure the person collecting the waste is a registered waste carrier. Any business that carries waste on a professional basis is considered to be a waste carrier and must register. However, there are now two tiers. Any business that carries waste professionally is considered an Upper tier businesses and must register every three years at a cost specified below.

PLEASE NOTE THAT IN MARCH 2011, THE EA PRODUCED NEW GUIDANCE ON WHO NEEDS TO REGISTER.

This means that it is not just waste management companies that must register, but also those that carry someone else's waste in the course of their business activities. This can include:

• Building/Construction
• Painter/Decorator
• Electrician
• Plumber
• Glazier
• Roofing Contractor
• Carpenter/Joiner
• Waste Paper Recycling
• Metal Recycling
• Glass Recycling
• Vehicle Dismantler
• Plastics Recycling
• Bulk Transporter/Haulier
• Tanker Transport
• Gardener/Landscaper
• Demolition Contractor
• Waste Management Contractor
• Skip Hire
• Special Waste Transport
• Clinical Waste Transport

However, in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, until the end of 2013, they do not need to register if they only carry waste they have generated through their own activity. Therefore a plumber who carries waste pipe from a job would not need to be registered just for that. But if they also carry old scrap radiators that they have been asked to remove by a customer, then they must be registered.

The EA have produced a FAQ to help identify what type of registration you should have etc.

In Scotland, the new requirements came into force in April under the Waste (Scotland) Regulations 2011 and any business carrying waste must now register. However, those carrying their own waste (other than construction waste) can do so free without any later renewal requirements.

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How do I register?

You may register on line or by post with the EA and by post only with SEPA and the NIEA. The Agency registration costs are shown below.

To register in England and Wales, click here.

To register in Scotland, click here.

To register in Northern Ireland, click here.

Alternatively, for a small fee, 360 can register you. For more details, please complete the form below or email us.

Exemptions

In England and Wales, the following are lower tier operators that only need to register once and for whom registration is free. Registration is through the same pages as above, but in Scotland and N Ireland, these activities are exempt from registration.

• A charity or voluntary organisation
• A waste collection authority
• A waste disposal authority
• A waste regulation authority
• A carrier who only transports:
  • Animal by-products
  • Waste from a mine or quarry
  • Waste from premises used for agriculture

What is required?

Waste Carrier’s Certificates are issued by the Environment Agency in England and Wales, SEPA in Scotland and the NIEA in Northern Ireland. The appropriate Agency will issue a certificate which is valid for 3 years. The registration number on this certificate must be shown on a waste transfer note. The forms are fairly lengthy and must be signed by someone who is authorised to sign in a limited company or all the partners in a partnership.

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Fees

The fee’s vary between Agencies and are subject to change annually. As at 1 Apr 2010:

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How can I check if a carrier is registered?

The Environment Agency operates an On-line Public Register where you can check to find a registered waste carrier or check the validity of someone claiming to be a registered Waste Carrier.

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Further information

Defra

EA

SEPA

NIEA

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