An authoritative glossary of UK waste management terms, regulations and acronyms — covering Duty of Care, Waste Transfer Notes, waste carrier licences, fly-tipping law and Environment Agency regulations.
A legal document required under Section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 whenever controlled waste is transferred between parties. Must include a waste description, quantity, SIC code, both parties' details and waste carrier registration numbers. Must be retained for a minimum of two years.
A legal obligation under Section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 applying to anyone who produces, stores, transports, treats or disposes of controlled waste. Requires all parties to take reasonable steps to ensure waste is managed properly and transferred only to authorised persons.
Officially a waste carrier, broker and dealer registration — issued by the Environment Agency in England (or SEPA in Scotland, NRW in Wales, NIEA in Northern Ireland). Legally required for any business transporting controlled waste. Two tiers: Upper Tier (£154, lasts three years) and Lower Tier. Operating without registration is a criminal offence. Check a licence here.
The executive non-departmental public body responsible for environmental regulation in England. Regulates waste management, issues environmental permits, maintains the public register of waste carriers, brokers and dealers, and enforces compliance with environmental legislation.
The illegal dumping of waste on land not licensed to accept it. A criminal offence under Section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Local authorities can issue fixed penalty notices up to £1,000; courts can impose unlimited fines or up to five years' imprisonment. England dealt with around 1.08 million incidents in 2023/24.
Defined by the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Controlled Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2012. Covers household, industrial and commercial waste. Requires transport by a registered carrier and disposal at a permitted facility.
Waste with properties that make it harmful to human health or the environment — including asbestos, chemicals, oils, solvents, batteries, fluorescent tubes and certain electrical items. Requires a hazardous-waste consignment note and a carrier with the appropriate EA authorisation.
Covered by the WEEE Regulations 2013 — applies to discarded electrical and electronic equipment including TVs, fridges, computers and small appliances. Must be collected, treated and recycled by authorised operators.
Standard Industrial Classification code identifying the business activity producing the waste. Required on every Waste Transfer Note.
A six-digit code that classifies waste type — required on Waste Transfer Notes and hazardous waste consignment notes for traceability.
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