Business waste: your duty of care
What every business must do with its waste: storing it safely, using registered carriers and keeping transfer notes.
The duty in short
- Store waste safely and securely so it cannot escape or be taken.
- Sort it, including into the recycling streams the law now requires.
- Only give it to someone authorised to take it: check their registration.
- Describe it accurately on a waste transfer note, and keep the note.
Waste transfer notes
Each transfer of business waste needs a waste transfer note recording what it is, who gave it, who took it and when. Keep transfer notes for at least two years. Hazardous waste uses consignment notes and has extra rules.
Can businesses use the tip?
Household waste recycling centres are generally for householders’ own waste. Business and trade waste usually needs a commercial collection or a permitted site that accepts trade waste. Check your council’s rules before taking business waste anywhere.
Recycling rules for workplaces
Workplaces in England now have to separate their waste for recycling. See Simpler Recycling for workplaces.
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More guides
Digital waste tracking: what businesses need to know
The new government service for recording waste movements: who must use it, from when, and how to get ready.
Simpler Recycling: what workplaces must do
The recycling rules for businesses and other workplaces in England, including the 2027 deadline for small businesses.
Do I need a waste carrier registration?
Who needs to register as a waste carrier, broker or dealer, and how customers can check a registration.
Garden waste: compost, council bin or collection?
Choose a route for grass, branches and garden clear-outs, and understand why soil, rubble and fencing need a separate conversation.