A waste transfer note records a transfer of non-hazardous business waste and the people involved in it. (GOV.UK)
This guide covers England and Wales. It is not legal advice; the official links give the full requirements.
When you need one
You need a waste transfer note, or a document containing the same information, for each load of non-hazardous waste you pass to someone else. Your business and the business taking the waste both fill in the parts that apply to them and sign it. (GOV.UK)
Hazardous waste moves on a hazardous waste consignment note instead. (GOV.UK; regulation 35(7))
The note can be on paper or electronic. An electronic note must be capable of being produced in a visible and legible form, and is signed with an electronic signature. (Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011, regulation 35)
What the note must contain
The law lists what the note must record: (regulation 35)
- the waste, identified by its List of Wastes code, with a description
- the quantity, whether it is loose or in a container, and if in a container, what kind
- the time and place of the transfer
- the names and addresses of the person handing over the waste and the person receiving it
- the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code of the person handing it over
- what each person is, for example the producer, a registered waste carrier (with its registration number) or a permit holder (with its permit number)
- confirmation that the person handing it over has applied the waste hierarchy
- both signatures
In Wales, Natural Resources Wales also asks for the permit or exemption details of both businesses, and the details of any waste broker or dealer who arranged the transfer. (Natural Resources Wales)
Check the description before signing
The duty of care code says the description must be accurate and contain all the information you are reasonably in a position to provide. (Waste duty of care code of practice)
One note for repeat collections
In England, a season ticket (sometimes called an annual waste transfer note) can cover repeat transfers for up to a year, as long as the holder of the waste, the waste carrier and the type of waste stay the same. A separate schedule lists the date, time and quantity of each transfer, and the site if it varies. Keep the ticket and schedule for 2 years after the last transfer. (GOV.UK)
Wales has a similar annual note, but Natural Resources Wales says the parties, the waste description and the transfer location must all stay the same, with a separate record of the date and amount of each transfer. (Natural Resources Wales)
The template and the codes
The Environment Agency publishes a free waste transfer note template. The List of Wastes code it asks for is explained in the EWC code finder.
Sources
Checked 1 November 2026.
CWR Micro lets registered waste carriers fill in waste transfer notes and take signatures on their phone. Try Pro free for 14 days.