Waste Transfer Notes Explained: What You Need to Know

A Waste Transfer Note (WTN) is a legal document that must be completed every time waste is passed from one party to another. Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (Section 34) and the Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011, both the waste producer and the waste carrier must sign the WTN. It's your proof that waste was disposed of legally and responsibly — and it protects you if that waste is later found to have been fly-tipped or improperly disposed of.

A compliant Waste Transfer Note must include:

• Description of the waste — Type, quantity, and how it's contained
• SIC code — Standard Industrial Classification code for the waste producer's business
• Transfer date — When the waste was collected
• Transfer location — Where the waste was picked up
• Waste producer details — Name and address
• Waste carrier details — Name, address, and waste carrier registration number
• Both parties' signatures

You must retain Waste Transfer Notes for a minimum of two years from the date of transfer. For hazardous waste (covered by Hazardous Waste Consignment Notes), the retention period is three years. We recommend keeping WTNs indefinitely in digital format. If the Environment Agency ever investigates waste disposal at a property you owned, having the documentation readily available provides immediate protection.

Everyone. The duty of care applies to:

• Householders — When using a private waste carrier (not the council)
• Businesses — For all commercial waste disposal
• Landlords — When clearing tenanted or void properties
• Construction companies — For construction waste and demolition debris
• Event organisers — For waste generated at events

If you're a householder using a licensed waste carrier, they should provide the WTN. If they don't — that's a serious red flag. Read our guide on choosing a licensed waste carrier.

Failing to complete or retain Waste Transfer Notes can result in:

• Fixed penalty notices of up to £300
• Prosecution with unlimited fines
• Liability for fly-tipping — if your waste is illegally dumped and you can't prove compliant disposal, you could face fines up to £50,000

The Environment Agency actively investigates waste duty of care breaches, and councils across London are increasing enforcement.

Terra Waste provides a Waste Transfer Note with every single collection — residential or commercial. It's sent to you digitally after your waste is collected, so you always have a record. Our Environment Agency registration (CBDU562887) is included on every note, and you can verify it on the public register at any time. Whether you need rubbish removal, office clearance, or commercial waste collection, compliance is built into our service. Get a free quote.