Posted: 10th May 2023

Waste Carriers Licence: Everything You Should Know

As a responsible business owner, you have to ensure that any waste that's produced or handled by your business is disposed of safely and legally.

The law requires companies to have a waste carriers license to transport waste from their premises or their customers' premises.

In this in-depth guide, we'll go over everything you need about waste carriers licenses.

What is a Waste Carriers License?

A waste carriers license is a legal requirement for all businesses in the UK that are transporting waste as part of their commercial activities. The license is issued by the Environment Agency or the relevant licensing authority in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

The main point of the license is to make sure that businesses are disposing of waste safely and legally and to work towards stopping unlawful dumping and fly-tipping. Anyone carrying waste as part of their business must be registered and hold a valid waste carrier's license.

Who Needs a Waste Carriers License?

If your business produces or handles waste and you transport it as part of your commercial activities, you will need a waste carrier's license. This includes:

• Builders and construction companies
• Waste collectionand waste management companies
• Scrap metal dealers
• Gardeners and landscapers
• Cleaning companies
• Manufacturing companies
• Retailers and wholesalers

If you're not sure whether your business needs a waste carriers license, you can learn more on the Environment Agency's website.

How to Apply for a Waste Carriers License

To apply for a waste carriers license, you will need to provide the following information:

• Your business name and address
• Details of the waste you transport
• The registration numbers of any vehicles you use to transport waste
• Details of any employees who transport waste on behalf of your business

Once you have provided this information, you will need to pay a fee to the Environment Agency. The cost varies depending on the type of license you require and the length of time you want to hold the license. Upper-tier waste carriers' licences cost more than the lower-tier licences. You can register for your waste carriers licence here.

Types of Waste Carriers License

There are two types of waste go-betweens license issued by the Environment Agency:

• Lower Tier Waste Carriers License - this allows businesses to transport their own waste unless it is construction or demolition waste. You don't need to renew lower tier waste carriers licences and it is free to register.
• Upper Tier Waste Carriers License - this allows businesses to transport their own waste, waste produced by their customers, and other people's waste. The license is valid for three years at an initial cost of £154 and £105 when renewing your licence.

Waste Transfer Notes

As a registered waste carrier, when transporting waste, you must provide a waste transfer note to the person who receives your waste. This note must include the following:

• Your business name and address
• A description of the rubbish you're transporting
• The registration number of the vehicle used to transport the waste
• The name and address of the person receiving the waste
• The date that the waste is being transferred

Penalties for Not Having a Waste Carriers License

If your business transports waste without a valid waste carriers license, you could face the following:

• A fixed penalty notice of up to £300
• Prosecution, which could result in an unlimited fine

If you're found guilty of fly-tipping or illegal dumping, the penalties are even more severe, with fines of up to £50,000 and imprisonment for up to five years.

Conclusion

A waste carriers license is a legal requirement for businesses transporting waste as part of their commercial activities. By obtaining a valid license, you can demonstrate that you're committed to disposing of waste safely and legally, and you can avoid the risk of penalties for non-compliance. Remember, as a responsible business owner, it's your duty to ensure that any waste produced or handled by your business is disposed of in a safe.

Useful Links:

• Waste Management Services
• FAQs