What Is a Waste Transfer Note, and Why You Should Always Ask for One
By Waste Removal Solutions · 7 October 2026
A waste transfer note is your proof that your rubbish was handed to a licensed carrier. Here is what it is, what it should include, and why it protects you.
When someone takes your rubbish away, the law says you are still responsible for making sure it is disposed of properly. This is called your "duty of care". A waste transfer note is the simplest way to prove you did the right thing.
What is a waste transfer note?
A waste transfer note is a record of waste being passed from one person to another. It shows who handed the waste over, who took it, what the waste was, and when the collection happened.
For businesses, landlords and letting agents, keeping waste transfer notes is a legal requirement, and they must be kept for at least two years. For households, a note is the best evidence that you handed your waste to a licensed carrier.
What should it include?
A proper waste transfer note should show:
- The name and address of the person or business handing over the waste
- The name of the carrier and their waste carrier licence number
- A description of the waste, and how it was contained (for example, loose, bagged or in a bulk bag)
- The date and address of the collection
- Where the waste is being taken
Why it protects you
If your waste is later found fly-tipped, the council can trace it back to you. Fines for fly-tipped waste can be more than £600, and some cases have reached £5,000 to £50,000 or more.
A waste transfer note from a licensed carrier shows you took reasonable steps. Without one, it is much harder to prove the waste left your hands legally.
Warning signs
Be careful if a collector:
- Says you do not need any paperwork
- Will not give you their waste carrier licence number
- Only takes cash and gives no receipt
- Offers a price that seems far too cheap
Rogue traders and unlicensed carriers may offer cheaper prices because they skip the tip fees, and then dump the waste. You can check any carrier on the Environment Agency's public register of waste carriers.
We supply digital waste transfer notes
Every job we do comes with a digital waste transfer note. There is no paper copy to lose: your note is sent to you digitally, so you can save it, forward it or print it whenever you need it, for example for landlord records, letting agents or business audits.
We are a registered waste carrier with the Environment Agency (licence CBDU370542) and SafeContractor approved. Get an instant price online and book in about a minute.