How to check your waste contractor's licence

You have a legal 'Duty of Care' to ensure anyone who collects your commercial waste is officially registered. The quickest way to do this is to check their details on the Environment Agency's public register. It’s a simple step that protects your business from fines if your waste is fly-tipped or handled illegally by an unlicensed operator.

How to check the licence

Follow these simple steps to verify your contractor:

1. Ask for their details: Request the full registered name or registration number of the waste collection company you plan to use. A legitimate company will provide this information without hesitation.
2. Visit the online register: Go to the Environment Agency's public register for England. If your business is in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, you will need to use the register for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), Natural Resources Wales, or the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) respectively.
3. Search for the carrier: Enter the business name or registration number into the search bar. The register will show you whether the company holds a valid licence to carry waste.

A quick tip

Keep a record of your check. Take a screenshot of the positive result from the register and save it with the date. This acts as proof that you have fulfilled your Duty of Care, which can be invaluable if any issues arise later. It's also good practice to re-check this annually.