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One of the accreditations ASAP Clearances can boast is that of being a licensed waste carrier – which applies whether we are working in Hampstead Garden Suburbs, Highgate, or across North London. Here we look at how companies get these licences, the protocols which have to be followed to retain the qualification – and why it makes us the perfect option for any type of waste clearance you might require, whether for your home or business.
The Legal Position
A waste carriers’ licence is a legal requirement for businesses which transport waste as part of their commercial activities.
So, you don’t need one, for instance, if you are a private individual who has created a lot of construction waste during a home renovation project (however, there might still be restrictions on how or where you can dispose of it) - but if you get someone else in to clear it professionally than they will need one.
By obtaining a valid licence, companies can demonstrate that they are committed to disposing of waste safely and legally, and so can avoid the risk of penalties for non-compliance.
You also need a waste carrier’s licence if you are involved in buying, selling or disposing waste (effectively acting as a dealer) or are someone who arranges for someone else to buy, sell or dispose of it (a broker).
What Are the Penalties?
Penalties for illegal waste dumping by companies vary and is usually dependant on the circumstances of each individual case. Generally, those found guilty can expect to receive substantial fines (which can be greater if the case is dealt with at crown court rather than magistrates’ court.) Prison terms can also be imposed as part of the sentence.
Regulators (usually the Environment Agency) can also prosecute individual company directors, order clean-up notices or take out civil actions in some cases; there’s also the reputational damage to consider.
And there are penalties for disposing of waste illegally yourself as well – fly-tippers who are private individuals, and are caught, can be fined as much as £1,000 under new legislation brought in during 2023.
What a Company Needs to Do
If your company needs to carry or dispose of waste due to the nature of your business, then you need to apply for a waste carrier’s licence from the EA.
It needs to be either Upper Tier or Lower Tier – you only need the latter if you transport waste which your own business has created. Registration for tier this is free.
However, if you transport other companies’ or people's waste – or act as a broker or dealer, as outlined above then you will need an Upper Tier licence. This currently costs £154 and needs to be renewed every three years, again via the EA.
If you are transporting a consignment of commercial waste, you will also need a Transport Note, which ensures there is a record of what is being taken, and where, and keeps everything above board.
Why It’s Important
Waste clearance companies need to have a licence, so they are complying with the law – either the Environmental Protection Act of 1990 and The Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011 – which deal with the moving, management and storage of waste in the country.
Possession of a Waste Carriers’ Licence means that any potentially hazardous waste can be handled and disposed of correctly – so there’s less pollution from issues such as fly-tipping, and more environmental protection.
It also helps conserve resources; waste management companies, such as ASAP Clearances – should have the contacts which ensure much of the ‘rubbish’ they handle can be recycled or reused in whole or in part, and can have valuable elements of the waste, such as metals, stripped out and recycled.
ASAP Clearances – a Licensed Waste Carrier in Hampstead Garden Suburbs
At ASAP Clearances, our Licensed Waste Carrier number is CBDU261629. Whether you need a house clearance in Bushey, an office clearing in Potters Bar a or a garden clearing in Hendon, you can come to us knowing that we are qualified to do the job safely, efficiently and legally.
You can contact us by following this link and filling in the form, or calling us on 020 3475 0508.