It depends on the document, the country and the role your business played in the movement. This guide covers England and Wales. It is not legal advice.
Waste transfer notes: at least 2 years
For non-hazardous waste, both businesses keep a paper or electronic copy of the waste transfer note for 2 years and show it to an enforcement officer if asked. (GOV.UK) The law says at least 2 years. (regulation 35(6))
Natural Resources Wales also says to keep copies for at least 2 years. (Natural Resources Wales)
For a season ticket, keep the ticket and its schedule for 2 years after the last transfer it covers. (GOV.UK)
Hazardous waste in England: depends on your role
| Role | How long | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Carrier | 1 year, at your head office | GOV.UK: carriers |
| Broker or dealer | 3 years | GOV.UK: carriers |
| Producer or holder | 3 years, at the premises that produced or stored the waste | GOV.UK: producers and holders |
| Receiving site with a permit (not landfill) | Consignment notes 5 years; other records as long as you have the permit | GOV.UK: consignees |
| Landfill site | All records as long as you have the permit | GOV.UK: consignees |
| Receiving site with an exemption | All records 3 years | GOV.UK: consignees |
A carrier's register holds copies of consignment notes and related documents, such as carrier schedules and records of rejected loads. A producer's or holder's register also holds the consignee returns they receive. (GOV.UK: carriers; GOV.UK: producers and holders)
Hazardous waste in Wales: depends on your role
- Carrier: keep a chronological register at your principal place of business for at least 12 months from the date the waste is delivered to its destination. (Hazardous Waste (Wales) Regulations 2005, regulation 50)
- Producer, holder, consignor, broker or dealer: keep records while you hold or control the waste, then for 3 years after it is transferred to another person. (regulation 49)
- Receiving site with a permit: keep consignment notes for 5 years after the waste is deposited, disposed of or recovered. If the permit allows landfill, keep them until the permit is surrendered or revoked. (regulation 47; regulation 48)
If you have more than one role
Keep each record for the longest period that applies to any role you played. For example, a carrier that also arranged the movement as a broker keeps those records for 3 years. (GOV.UK: carriers)
Sources
- GOV.UK: Waste transfer notes
- Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011, regulation 35
- Natural Resources Wales: Completing waste transfer notes
- GOV.UK: Hazardous waste carriers
- GOV.UK: Hazardous waste producers and holders
- GOV.UK: Hazardous waste consignees
- Hazardous Waste (Wales) Regulations 2005: regulation 47, 48, 49, 50
Checked 1 November 2026.
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