The Environment Agency (EA) has recently issued a critical business alert, emphasising the importance for all waste carriers, brokers, and dealers in England to register or renew their licenses exclusively through the official GOV.UK website rather than using third-party services. This initiative aims to streamline the registration process and safeguard businesses from incurring unnecessary costs associated with using third-party services.
The EA requires that any company involved in the transportation, purchase, sale, or arrangement of waste disposal as part of their business operations must register. This include carriers that transport waste; businesses that arrange the buying, selling, or disposal of waste; and businesses that buy, sell or dispose of waste.
Registration is free for businesses that exclusively transport their own waste, excluding construction and demolition waste. A £154 initial registration fee applies to all other businesses, with a £105 renewal fee.
The Agency has advised against using third-party websites offering application completion services, as these often impose additional charges. The EA has also highlighted the importance of providing accurate and complete information during registration because incorrect details, whether intentional or unintentional, can lead to removal from the register. Using third-party contact information can also result in missed vital updates and possible removal notices, potentially causing businesses to operate illegally without their knowledge.
Operating as an unregistered waste carrier, broker, or dealer is a criminal offense, and is subject to enforcement action. Businesses are urged to complete applications personally to ensure data accuracy.
Business can register as a waste carrier, broker or dealer online here.
Both the EA and the Environmental Services Association (ESA) encourage reporting of suspected illegal waste activities, which includes operating without a license. Reports can be made to the 24-hour incident hotline at 0800 80 70 60 or anonymously to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 or online.
