Commercial Waste Duty of Care: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn your legal responsibilities for disposing of business waste and how to ensure your waste is handled correctly.
This scheme establishes the legal responsibility for all businesses to ensure their waste is managed and disposed of safely and correctly. It ensures that the process of getting rid of business refuse follows strict environmental standards.
Who it's for
This scheme applies to all businesses producing waste. If your business operations generate any form of refuse, you fall under these regulations. This includes everything from small offices to large-scale commercial operations, as any business that produces waste must follow these rules to remain compliant with the law.
What you get
By following these regulations, you ensure the legal disposal of your commercial waste. This means your business is meeting its environmental obligations, ensuring that the materials you discard are handled by authorized parties rather than being disposed of in ways that could harm the environment or violate local regulations.
What it costs you
While there is no direct fee paid to the government to follow these rules, there are ongoing business costs involved. You will need to pay monthly contract fees to a licensed waste carrier. These carriers are the professionals responsible for picking up and transporting your business refuse to the appropriate facilities.
The catch to know
The most important thing to remember is your record-keeping requirement. You must keep "Waste Transfer Notes" (also known as WTNs) for a minimum of two years. These documents serve as your official proof that you have fulfilled your "Duty of care" and that your waste was legally handed over to a licensed professional. If you cannot produce these notes when asked, you may be found in breach of your legal duties.
How to apply
- Identify your waste needs to determine how much refuse your business produces.
- Research and select a licensed waste carrier to manage your collections.
- Set up a formal service contract for regular waste removal.
- Collect and save a Waste Transfer Note (WTN) for every single collection made.
- Maintain a filing system to keep all notes for at least two years.