How to Check a Waste Carrier Licence in Minutes
Quick Answer
Open the Environment Agency Public Register, search the company name or licence number, confirm the status is active, then keep a copy with your Waste Transfer Note. This simple check helps you dispose of your waste responsibly and avoid a fine.
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What a Waste Carrier Licence is & Why You Should Care
A waste carrier is any business that transports or arranges waste removal. Most companies that regularly carry waste as part of their work must register with the Environment Agency. This waste carrier registration proves they are authorised to carry waste and handle licensed waste for recycling or disposal. Your duty of care means you could be held responsible if your waste is fly-tipped by an unlicensed waste carrier. You can get an unlimited fine if you use an operator who is not registered.
How to Use The Public Register in Minutes
Go to the Environment Agency Public Register.
Search by business name, postcode or the licence number. Carrier numbers often start with CBDU followed by digits for the upper tier, and CBDL for the lower tier.
Open the record and check that the status is active, the holder name and address match, and the tier is correct. Upper-tier registration is what most commercial carriers need. Lower-tier registration applies in limited cases, such as some organisations that carry their own waste.
Note the expiry date and whether they need to renew soon. Save the page as a PDF or screenshot and keep it with your invoice and Waste Transfer Note. You can also use the Waste Transfer Note Template.
Vehicle and crew
Check the trading name on the vehicle matches the register or the legal name on your invoice.
Waste Transfer Note
The note must show the carrier licence number, your address, the date and time, a clear description of the types of waste and the destination. Keep it to show you met your duty of care.
Practical details
If you are hiring a skip, hire your skip from a provider that is registered with the Environment Agency and ask where your waste will be recycled.
Red Flags to Avoid
No listing on the register, details that do not match, cash only with no paperwork, prices that seem too good to be true, or claims that business waste can be taken to household recycling sites. Only residents can use the Greater Manchester recycling centres and they are not for commercial waste.
Local Authority Guidance for Householders in Greater Manchester
Householders in nine Greater Manchester boroughs, Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside and Trafford, can use the twenty Household Waste Recycling Centres run by Recycle for Greater Manchester. These sites are for residents only and are free to use for household waste and recycling. Check locations, opening times and what you can take before you travel.
To report fly tipping, use your council reporting page or the national service on GOV.UK. Manchester residents can report dumped rubbish online, and anyone in England can use the GOV.UK tool to find the right local authority.
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Your Duty of Care Essentials
Final Checks
Confirm the record shows a current upper-tier registration where needed, that the carrier details match the register, and that your waste disposal route is documented. With a two-minute search and a few questions, you can manage waste removal safely, meet your duty of care, and protect your business.
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