How Much is a Waste Carrier’s Licence?
Currently, a waste carrier’s licence in England costs £154 to make a new registration. If you transport waste between England and Scotland and/or Wales you only need to register with one agency, but the cost of a waste carrier’s licence can vary between the countries.
If you need to register to only transport waste you produce yourself then it’s usually free to do so in England. The UK government can change the cost of a waste carrier licence and may increase it at any time. Discover everything you need to know about the costs associated with a waste carrier’s licence below.
What is a waste carrier’s licence?
A waste carrier’s licence (WCL) is a legal document that allows a business or individual to transport commercial waste. It essentially covers the carrying of waste in a commercial vehicle. This is to ensure all business waste is removed, transported, and disposed of properly and minimise fly-tipping and illegal dumping.
Anyone with a waste carrier’s licence appears on the public register of waste carriers, brokers, and dealers. This demonstrates to both the Environment Agency and potential or existing customers (if you transport waste for others) that you have a waste carrier’s licence and can legally move commercial waste.
A waste carrier’s licence also demonstrates and upholds the duty of care a business has for managing its commercial waste, which is regulated by the Environmental Protection Act 1990. If you legally require a WCL and do not have one, you could face an unlimited fine in England if prosecuted.
Who needs a waste
carrier’s licence?
Any business or individual in the UK that transports, buys, sells, or disposes of commercial waste must have a waste carrier’s licence. This includes if you take your own commercial rubbish to a waste management or recycling facility, as well as if you remove waste for other businesses or individuals.
You do not need a waste carrier’s licence to transport your own domestic rubbish, such as taking items to the tip or your local household waste recycling centre (HWRC). However, if you pay for a business to remove your waste then they should have a waste carrier’s licence.
What are the different
types of waste carrier’s licences?
There are two tiers of waste carrier’s licences. The type of waste carried determines which licence is required. These are the types of waste carrier licences:
- Upper tier waste carrier licence – if you create waste as part of a service that includes construction or demolition waste (everything from rubble to empty silicone tubes) then you require an upper tier licence.
- Lower tier waste carrier licence – if your customers create waste you move that’s only farm or agricultural waste, animal by-products, or waste from mines or quarries, or you create the waste but it’s not construction or demolition materials (such as paper from an office or grass cuttings from a gardening business), then you only need a lower tier licence.
How much does a waste
carrier’s licence cost?
A waste carrier’s licence cost depends on whether you need an upper or lower tier licence and your location. Lower tier waste producers can usually apply for a free licence. Upper tier licences cost £154 in England. Costs vary in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
These are the current costs for a new registration for a waste carrier’s licence in the UK:
- England – £154 for an upper tier waste carrier licence, free registration for lower tier
- Wales – £169 for an upper tier waste carrier licence, free registration for lower tier
- Scotland – £291 for a carrier or broker, £582 for a combined carrier or broker
- Northern Ireland – £159 for registration as an upper tier carrier or as a broker or dealer of controlled waste
How much does it cost to renew
a waste carrier’s licence?
Costs to renew a waste carrier’s licence depend on the country where you’re based. The cost to renew an upper tier waste carrier’s licence in the UK is:
- England – £105
- Wales – £116
- Scotland – £184 (carrier or broker) £368 (combined carrier and broker)
- Northern Ireland – £79
If your details change then you must inform the Environment Agency within 28 days. This includes if the contact details, management, or what your business does changes (such as going from just a waste carrier to a waste broker as well). Should anyone in management be convicted of an environmental offence you must also inform the Environment Agency.
To change what your organisation does costs £40. If your business type legally changes or you go from a lower to upper tier waste carrier then you must make a new registration, which costs £154 in England.
How to apply for a
waste carrier’s licence
The UK government is responsible for issuing all waste carrier licences. Within each of the nations the individual Environment Agency for England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland issues and regulates the use of waste carrier’s licences. Register for a waste carrier’s licence on the UK government website.
What happens if my waste management company
doesn’t have a waste carrier’s licence?
If your waste management partner removes and disposes of your commercial waste without the required legal documentation, and you are aware of this, your company could fall foul of the law and face a fine of up to £5,000. Before agreeing to a contract with a waste disposal company, you should always request to see their WCL.
Here is a copy of the Business Waste LTD higher tier waste carrier’s licence – registration number CBDU49243
Save on waste carrier licence
costs with Business Waste
The safest and most cost-effective way to deal with the issue of waste carrier licences is to use a reliable partner such as Business Waste. We only work with suppliers who are licensed waste carriers to operate legally and provide peace of mind that your waste is managed responsibly.
It may be tempting to move your own rubbish but there are many additional costs and barriers. These include vehicle costs (purchase, insurance, maintenance, and fuel), gate fees, training, additional licences and permits. Then there’s the time, effort, health and safety, and other issues. Using a licensed waste carrier is much easier and more affordable.
At Business Waste we work with licensed waste carriers across the UK who can collect any type and volume of commercial waste. Find out more and get a free quote bespoke to the needs of your business today – call 0800 211 8390 or contact us online.
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