Waste Transfer Notes & Your Duty of Care
24 June 2026If your business produces scrap metal, you have a legal duty of care for how it's handled — and a waste transfer note is your proof you've met it. Here's what you need to know.
What is duty of care?
Under UK law, anyone who produces, handles or disposes of waste has a duty of care to ensure it's managed responsibly and only passed to authorised parties. For scrap metal, that means using a registered waste carrier and keeping records.
What is a waste transfer note?
A waste transfer note (WTN) records what waste was transferred, how much, when, and between whom. It's the document that proves your waste left your site legally and went to a licensed operator.
What should it include?
- A description of the waste and the quantity
- Your details and the carrier's details
- The carrier's registration number
- The date and place of transfer
- The relevant waste (EWC) codes
How long must you keep it?
Waste transfer notes should be kept for at least two years and produced on request by the Environment Agency. Keeping them protects you if questions are ever raised about where your waste ended up.
How we keep you compliant
Every collection we make comes with a waste transfer note, weighbridge tickets and a clear payment statement. We're an Environment Agency upper-tier registered carrier, so your duty of care is covered end to end.
Related: learn more on our Compliance & licensing.
Need a quote or a collection?
Call, WhatsApp a photo, or send us the details for a fast, fair price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a waste transfer note?
Yes — if your business transfers waste, including scrap metal, you're legally required to complete and keep a waste transfer note. We provide one for every collection.
How long should I keep waste transfer notes?
At least two years, and you should be able to produce them on request by the Environment Agency.
Is it legal to be paid cash for scrap?
No. Under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act, dealers must pay by traceable means, not cash. We pay by bank transfer or cheque with a clear statement.
