Who needs to register?

You must register as a waste carrier if you transport controlled waste within Great Britain Scotland, England and Wales) in the course of your business or in any other way for profit.

You must register even if you transport controlled waste only once in a while. The requirement to register applies to self-employed carriers as well as partnerships and companies.

Types of business which, subject to the exceptions given below, may require registration, include :-

  • Building/Construction
  • Painter/Decorator
  • Electrician
  • Plumber
  • Glazier
  • Roofing Contractor
  • Carpenter/Joiner
  • Waste Paper Recycling
  • Metal Recycling
  • Glass Recycling
  • Vehicle Dismantler
  • Plastics Recycling
  • Bulk Transporter/Haulier
  • Tanker Transport
  • Gardener/Landscaper
  • Demolition Contractor
  • Waste Management Contractor
  • Skip Hire
  • Special Waste Transport
  • Clinical Waste Transport

Why is there a need to register?

Since 1 April 1992 it has been an offence to transport controlled waste if you are not a registered carrier. You can be stopped and your vehicle can be searched.

If stopped, you will be required to produce your certificate of registration. If you are not registered, you can be fined up to £5,000. If you decide to apply for registration after being convicted, your application could be refused. It is also an offence for anyone else to give their waste to you if you are not registered.

How much does registration cost?

You will be advised of the cost when you contact any SEPA office for an application for registration. Once your application is approved, your registration will be valid throughout Great Britain and will last for three years.

Are there any exceptions?

Yes. You do not need to be a registered carrier if:

  • You are a householder carrying your own domestic waste (e.g. to your civic amenity site). But if someone transports this waste for you then they need to be registered.

Note:

  • If the waste you produce through your business is building or demolition waste, you must be registered in order to transport it yourself.
  • If you are a charity or voluntary organisation and you transport waste, or you only carry waste that you have produced as a result of your business (excluding construction and demolition waste) you must instead be on SEPA's Register of Professional Collectors and Transporters of Waste. There is no charge for this type of registration.

Professional Collectors and Transporters of Waste

  • The Waste Management Licensing (Scotland) Regulations 2011 stipulates a number of specific types of operations which are not required to register under the 1991 regulations as a carrier of controlled waste. However a simplified registration scheme under the Waste Management Licensing Regulations 2011 requires them to notify to SEPA details of the business they carry out and the location(s) from which they operate.  Registration is free and can be done by completing the simple form ,  WCR-FRM-003> : Application Form for Registration as a Professional Collector or Transporter of Controlled Waste. By mid 2011 registration will be available online through the SEPA website.

Examples of types of operations which are registered under this scheme are:-

  • Government Departments and Local Councils.
  • Charitable and Voluntary Organisations.
  • Businesses who normally and regularly transport their own waste, (excluding construction and demolition).
  • Carriers of animal by-products.
  • Carriers of mines and quarry wastes.
  • Carriers of agricultural waste.

If you are in any doubt as to whether registration is required under either of the above schemes then you are advised to contact your local SEPA office to discuss the matter directly.

What is controlled waste?

Controlled waste is any kind of household, commercial industrial or agricultural waste. It includes any waste from a house, shop, office, factory or any other trade or business premises.

Such waste is controlled waste whether it is liquid or solid and even if it is not hazardous or toxic.

Controlled waste includes:

  • Unwanted surplus substances
  • Building or demolition waste
  • Anything that is disposed of as broken, worn out, contaminated or spoiled in some other way.

Further information and advice

The rules on registration are set out in the Controlled Waste (Registration of Carriers and Seizure of Vehicles) Regulations 1991 (as amended).

The rules on the registration of waste brokers and registers of professional collectors and transporters of waste are set out in the Waste Management Licensing (Scotland) Regulations 2011.

Applications

Online application

It is not possible to apply for registration online. SEPA is currently developing this facility.

Postal applications and amendments

Please complete the appropriate form and send it to the appropriate registry office as detailed on the form.

  • WCR-FRM-001 : Application Form for Registration as a Carrier, Broker or Carrier/Broker of Controlled Waste
  • WCR-FRM-002 : Application Form for Renewal of Registration as a Carrier, Broker or Carrier/Broker of Controlled Waste
  • WCR-FRM-003: Application Form for Registration as a Professional Collector or Transporter of Controlled Waste