In the UK waste management industry, a Waste Transfer Note (WTN) is a legal document recording the transfer of non-hazardous waste from one party to another. It ensures accountability and compliance with waste duty of care regulations.
What is it used for?
It provides a clear audit trail of who produced, transported and received the waste. It’s used by:
- Businesses
- Waste carriers such as our team
- Recycle and disposal facilities
When is a WTN required?
It’s required every time waste changes hands, unless a Season Ticket is in place. This includes:
- Business to the waste carrier
- Between waste carriers
- Waste carrier to disposal site
What is a ‘Season Ticket’?
A Season Ticket is a WTN that covers multiple transfers of the same type of waste between the same parties, over a maximum of 12 months.
How long should WTNs be kept?
Both parties must keep a copy of each WTN for at least 2 years and produce it on request by The Environment Agency or Local Authorities
What must a WTN include by law?
Description of the waste
- Waste type and quantity
- European Waste Catalogue (EWC) code
- Physical form (e.g. solid, liquid)
How the waste is contained
E.g., bags, bins, skips, tankers
The waste hierarchy confirmation
Both parties confirm they’ve applied the waste hierarchy (reduce, reuse, recycle before disposal)
Names and addresses of:
- The waste producer
- The waste carrier
- The recipient
Date and time of the transfer
SIC Code of the waste producer (Standard Industrial Classification)
Relevant permits or licence numbers for waste carriers and sites
Signatures of both parties (or digital equivalents.)
Failing to use or retain Waste Transfer Notes can result in fines and prosecution.
If you have any questions our team are ready to support you – sales@williamsenvironmental.co.uk
