If your business produces scrap metal or waste, the law doesn't let you simply hand it to whoever turns up. You have a legal "duty of care", and the waste transfer note is the document that proves you met it. Here's what that means in plain terms.
What is the duty of care?
Under UK environmental law, any business that produces, holds, or disposes of waste has a duty of care to make sure it's handled responsibly and only passed to someone authorised to take it. Crucially, that responsibility doesn't end at your gate. If your scrap is fly-tipped or mishandled down the line, you can still be held liable if you didn't take reasonable steps to check who you gave it to.
What is a waste transfer note?
A waste transfer note (WTN) is the written record created each time waste changes hands. It's the paper trail proving your waste went to a licensed carrier. A valid note typically records:
- A description of the waste (e.g. mixed metal scrap) and its quantity
- How it's contained or packaged
- The parties involved — who handed it over and who received it
- The carrier's registration details
- The date and place of transfer
Both sides should keep their copy. For many waste streams you're required to retain these records for a set period and produce them if asked by the Environment Agency.
Rule of thumb: never let scrap leave your site without a waste transfer note and the carrier's registration number. The note is cheap insurance against a fine that isn't.
How to check a carrier is legitimate
Anyone transporting waste metal in England must be a registered waste carrier with the Environment Agency. You can — and should — verify a carrier's registration on the Environment Agency's free public register before handing anything over. A genuine operator will give you their registration number without hesitation.
For reference, ours is CBDU622654 — an upper-tier registration you can look up directly on the public register.
Why it matters for you
- Legal protection — proper documentation is your defence if waste is later mishandled.
- Audit readiness — clean records satisfy regulators, insurers, and ISO auditors.
- Reputation — traceable, responsible disposal is increasingly expected by customers and supply chains.
Sell your scrap to a licensed buyer
We're an Environment Agency registered upper-tier waste carrier (CBDU622654) and issue waste transfer notes for every collection.
Get in Touch →This article is general information, not legal advice. For your specific obligations, refer to GOV.UK guidance on waste duty of care or seek professional advice.