Getting rid of commercial or trade waste legally

It is illegal to dispose of commercial or trade (business) waste at a Household Waste Recycling Centre (tip). If your waste is flytipped and is traced back to the owner, you can be prosecuted and fined up to £50,000. Find advice on what you should do to ensure you do not break any laws.

Handling commercial / trade waste responsibly

Businesses have a 'duty of care' to handle their waste safely and within the law. We can visit your premises to check that the correct procedures are being followed and together with the Police, we can check your waste carrier licence.

Please note - we are currently unable to accept any new trade waste customers at our Annfield Plain Waste Transfer Station as it is operating at maximum capacity. Heighington Lane and Thornley Waste Transfer Stations currently do not accept trade waste customers.

If you want to dispose of commercial or trade waste yourself you must register as a waste carrier. Unregistered waste carriers can be fined up to £5,000 for not possessing a licence.

Please note - if you are carrying waste which you are going to recycle you may still need to register.

Check who is registered as a waste carrier.

What commercial or trade waste is

Commercial or trade waste is any waste produced from a business operation including waste from:

repairs, alterations, or property improvements
construction or demolition
industry or agriculture

It includes waste produced by business activities run from your own home as well as waste from property rentals if you are a private landlord.

Waste from allotments is also classed as commercial waste.

Waste legislation

Your business must comply with the following:

Environmental Protection Act 1990
Control of Pollution Act 1974
The Waste Management, Duty of Care Act 1992
Animal By Products Legislation

If you are accessing the trade waste bridge, you will need a Waste Carriers Licence and if your load has electrical items you will also need a Hazardous Waste Consignment Notice.

Further information

If you need further information, you should contact the Environment Agency.

Related information

Offsite links