Waste management is a process that occurs in the background of all businesses, ensuring bins are emptied, waste is collected, and public spaces remain hygienic. But there is an important part of the process that is easy to overlook, which is your waste transfer documentation.
If your business produces waste, then understanding your duty of care and keeping the correct records is essential. But what exactly is a Waste Transfer Note, and how can your business prepare for it?
What is a Waste Transfer Note?
A Waste Transfer Note (WTN) is a legal document that records the transfer of non-hazardous business waste from one party to another. Each time waste is transferred, you need a WTN, or another document containing the required information, to remain legally compliant. Both the business transferring the waste and those receiving it must complete and sign the relevant sections, with copies needing to be maintained for two years. This paperwork provides a record of what waste was transferred, who handled it and how it should be managed as part of your wider waste duty of care.
Why Do Businesses Need a Waste Transfer Note?
Responsibility for your waste is still there even after it has been collected. UK businesses have a duty of care to take actionable and reasonable steps to ensure waste is stored, transferred and managed correctly. This includes checking that the waste carrier is licensed and keeping appropriate documentation. Without accurate and up-to-date records, your business could struggle to demonstrate that it has met its responsibilities if a site audit occurs or documentation is requested.
A WTN needs specific information to allow the waste to be handled and disposed of safely. Typical WTN details include:
- The description and classification of the waste
- The European Waste Catalogue and UK Standard Industrial Classification code
- The quantity or volume of waste
- The date of transfer
- Details of the waste producer or holder
- Details of the waste carrier
- Final destination of the waste
- Information about how the waste should be handled
- Required signatures
There is also another option for businesses called a season ticket, also known as an annual Waste Transfer Note. This allows for repeated transfers of non-hazardous waste for up to one year, provided the relevant protocols are met.
Waste Duty of Care for UK Businesses
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, businesses in the UK dealing with waste are obligated to follow a code of practice in the workplace regarding the way waste is handled; this includes:
Safe Storage: Waste must be kept secure at all times, with appropriate containers and lids to prevent overflow, damage, or any unauthorised access.
Authority: Waste must be transferred to authorised individuals, such as a licensed carrier or disposal site
Documentation: All businesses must fill out a Waste Transfer Note for all non-hazardous waste collections, and Consignment Notes for hazardous waste.
Record-Keeping: WTNs must be kept for at least two years, and at minimum three years for hazardous waste.
Hierarchy: The waste hierarchy focuses on prevention before disposal is required, starting from re-use, recycling, and recovery first.
What About Hazardous Waste?
Hazardous waste must be handled differently due to the contamination risks it poses, and therefore requires a Hazardous Waste Consignment Note. This must accompany the waste during the transfer process, containing key information about the waste type, its origin, destination and handling requirements.
Businesses that produce and store hazardous waste also have additional record-keeping responsibilities. This is especially important for organisations such as healthcare providers, dental practices, clinics and specialised waste streams. It’s very important to understand what your waste is classified as before defaulting to a standard WTN.
Envirotec Are Here to Make Your Waste Compliance Easier
Although a Waste Transfer Note is a small aspect of daily operations, it is significant when it comes to maintaining compliance. Getting your waste documentation and collection aligned is integral, and working alongside an experienced waste management provider can help make the process straightforward.
At Envirotec, we offer professional waste disposal and hygiene services for businesses, supplying appropriate documentation and licensed carriers to make sure compliance and responsible disposal are met at all times. To discover our full range of services, get in touch with a member of our team today.