New Waste Carrier Regulations have been introduced and, as of January 2014, anyone involved in waste carrying, acting as a waste broker or dealer, or undertaking waste management duties will be required to register their business. Anyone found undertaking waste carriage duties without a relevant registration and licence can be fined up to GBP 5,000.

There are two tiers of registration: upper and lower. Lower tier registration will be free and stands indefinitely. Upper tier registration costs businesses GBP 154 for a three year registration, with further registration costing GBP 105 for each subsequent year.

Lower tier registration will cover:

  • Charities and voluntary organisations
  • Waste collection authorities
  • Waste disposal authorities
  • Waste regulation authorities
  • Companies dealing only in the carriage, brokering or dealing with animal by-products
  • Waste from mines or quarries
  • Waste from agricultural premises

If none of the lower tier categories apply, then a company will have to register in the upper tier.

If required, evidence of registration can be demonstrated with the presentation of the registration certificate.

Since non-compliance with this new regime can result in a criminal conviction and fine, it is important to ensure that the correct registration requirements have been fulfilled by your company.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.