As waste regulations tighten across England, businesses need to be on top of their responsibilities now more than ever. One of the key tools in managing waste legally and responsibly is the Waste Transfer Note (WTN). But what exactly is it, and why does it matter?
Let’s break it down in plain terms
A Waste Transfer Note is simply a document that records the transfer of waste from one party to another. It is proof that you’ve passed your waste on to someone who is properly authorised to handle it. Think of it as a receipt that confirms you’re doing the right thing by law. Whether you run a construction firm, a retail shop or a small café, if your business produces non-hazardous waste, you need to use WTNs.
WTNs contain a few essential details: a clear description of the waste, how it’s stored or contained, relevant classification codes (such as your business’s SIC code and the waste’s EWC code), the date and location of the transfer, and the names and addresses of both parties involved. Crucially, both the waste producer and the carrier must sign the document and keep it for at least two years.
If you’re dealing with regular waste collections that involve the same type of waste and the same carrier, you don’t need to produce a new WTN each time. In these cases, you can use what’s known as a Season Ticket, valid for up to 12 months as long as the waste type, parties involved and collection details remain unchanged.
But WTNs are just one part of a much bigger picture. The UK government is placing growing emphasis on environmental responsibility and waste reduction, particularly with food waste. Under the Environment Act 2021 and the newly published Separation of Waste (England) Regulations 2024, major changes are coming into effect that will affect thousands of businesses.
From 31 March 2025, all businesses in England that produce more than 5 kilograms of food waste per week will be legally required to separate food waste from other types of waste. This means having a dedicated food waste bin and arranging for its collection through a licensed waste carrier. The rules are being introduced to encourage better recycling and reduce the environmental impact of food waste, much of which currently ends up in landfill unnecessarily.
Smaller businesses are not off the hook either. Micro-firms, defined as those with fewer than ten full-time employees, will need to comply by 31 March 2027.
Here’s a brief summary of what the regulations mean for your business:
- You must separate food waste, general waste, and recyclable materials.
- You must use appropriate bins for each waste type.
- Your waste must be collected by a registered and licensed carrier.
- You are responsible for keeping records of how you manage your waste.
- You must stay informed about any local council regulations that might apply in addition to national rules.
Although these rules may feel like just another layer of red tape, they are designed to support a greener, more sustainable waste system across the country. Failing to comply could result in penalties, fines or even criminal liability.
At McLeish Consultancy, we specialise in making environmental compliance easy to understand and even easier to implement. We help businesses stay on the right side of the law while putting effective waste systems in place. Whether you need help creating fully compliant WTNs, understanding how to classify your waste, or preparing for the upcoming food waste regulations, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Don’t wait until the deadline approaches. If you’re unsure about your responsibilities, speak to our team today and get ahead of the curve.
