Essential UK waste tracking terminology. Definitions for WTN, HWCN, LoW codes, duty of care, and DEFRA digital waste tracking terms.
This glossary explains the key terms used in UK waste compliance, digital waste tracking, and the DEFRA Digital Waste Tracking mandate.
A legal document required whenever non-hazardous waste changes hands in the UK. The WTN must include details about the waste producer, carrier, receiver, waste type (with LoW code), quantity, and signatures from all parties. Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, both parties must keep copies for at least 2 years. From October 2026, receivers must use digital Waste Transfer Notes instead of paper.
A legal document required for all hazardous waste movements in the UK. More detailed than a standard WTN, the HWCN must include EWC codes, hazardous properties (H-codes), chemical composition, and process of origin. Required under the Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005. Records must be kept for at least 3 years. Also called a consignment note or digital consignment note when electronic. Learn more about Digital Consignment Notes.
A six-digit code used to classify waste types in the UK and EU. Based on the European Waste Catalogue (EWC). The code has three parts: chapter (2 digits), sub-chapter (2 digits), and specific waste (2 digits). Example: 17 01 01 = Construction waste (17) / Concrete, bricks, tiles (01) / Concrete (01). LoW codes marked with an asterisk (*) indicate hazardous waste. Correct LoW code classification is essential for legal waste movements.
The official name for LoW codes. EWC codes are used across Europe to classify waste. In the UK, the terms "EWC code" and "LoW code" are used interchangeably. The European Waste Catalogue contains over 800 different waste codes covering everything from household waste to industrial chemicals. Hazardous waste codes are marked with an asterisk (*).
A code that identifies the type of business or industry. Required on Waste Transfer Notes and Hazardous Waste Consignment Notes to describe the waste producer's business activity. Example: SIC code 38110 = Collection of non-hazardous waste. SIC codes help regulators understand the source of waste and identify patterns in waste generation.
A legal obligation under Section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Anyone who produces, imports, carries, keeps, treats, or disposes of waste has a duty of care to ensure it's handled properly and doesn't harm the environment. This includes checking waste carrier licences, using correct waste codes, keeping proper records, and ensuring waste goes to authorized facilities. Breaching duty of care can result in prosecution and unlimited fines.
The person or business that generates waste. The producer is responsible for classifying the waste correctly, completing the Waste Transfer Note or Hazardous Waste Consignment Note, checking the carrier has a valid waste carrier licence, and ensuring the waste goes to an authorized facility. Under DEFRA's digital waste tracking mandate, producers will eventually need to create digital waste notes.
A person or company that transports waste. All waste carriers in the UK must be registered with the Environment Agency (or equivalent in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland). Carriers must hold a valid waste carrier licence and provide their registration number on all Waste Transfer Notes and Hazardous Waste Consignment Notes. Transporting waste without a licence is a criminal offence.
A site that accepts waste deliveries. This includes transfer stations, Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs), recycling facilities, treatment sites, and disposal facilities. Receivers must hold an environmental permit and are legally responsible for validating waste on arrival. Under the DEFRA Digital Waste Tracking mandate, receivers must use digital systems from October 2026.
A person or company that arranges waste disposal or recovery on behalf of others. Waste brokers don't physically handle the waste but organize its collection and treatment. All waste brokers must be registered with the Environment Agency. Brokers have a duty of care to ensure waste is handled legally and goes to authorized facilities.
The electronic recording and monitoring of waste movements. DEFRA's Digital Waste Tracking mandate will require all UK waste movements to be recorded digitally from October 2026 (receivers first). Digital waste tracking systems validate waste codes, capture digital signatures, store complete records, and create searchable audit trails. Replaces paper-based Waste Transfer Notes and Hazardous Waste Consignment Notes.
The process of checking waste information before it arrives at a receiving site. Pre-acceptance involves verifying the waste description, LoW code, quantity, and producer details match the site's permit conditions. Many waste facilities require pre-acceptance approval before accepting deliveries. Digital waste tracking systems can automate pre-acceptance checks and flag potential issues before waste arrives.
A registration issued by the Environment Agency (or equivalent) that allows a person or company to transport waste legally. There are two tiers: lower tier (free, for carriers transporting their own waste) and upper tier (paid, for professional waste carriers). The licence number must appear on all Waste Transfer Notes and Hazardous Waste Consignment Notes. Carrying waste without a valid licence is illegal.
A licence issued by the Environment Agency that allows a site to accept, store, treat, or dispose of waste. The permit specifies exactly what types of waste (by LoW code) the site can accept, how much, and what activities are allowed. Waste receivers must check incoming waste matches their permit conditions. Accepting waste outside permit conditions is a serious offence.
Characteristics that make waste hazardous. There are 15 hazardous properties defined in EU regulations, each with an H-code: H1 (explosive), H2 (oxidising), H3 (flammable), H4 (irritant), H5 (harmful), H6 (toxic), H7 (carcinogenic), H8 (corrosive), H9 (infectious), H10 (toxic for reproduction), H11 (mutagenic), H12 (releases toxic gases), H13 (sensitising), H14 (ecotoxic), H15 (waste capable of exhibiting hazardous properties). Hazardous Waste Consignment Notes must list all applicable H-codes.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The UK government department responsible for environmental policy, including waste regulations. DEFRA is introducing the Digital Waste Tracking mandate that requires all waste movements to be recorded electronically from October 2026.
The regulatory body responsible for environmental protection in England. The Environment Agency issues environmental permits, registers waste carriers, conducts inspections, and enforces waste regulations. Equivalent bodies exist in Scotland (SEPA), Wales (Natural Resources Wales), and Northern Ireland (NIEA). The Environment Agency has powers to inspect waste sites, request records, and prosecute breaches of waste law.
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