Introduction
A waste carrier license for man and van is mandatory if you carry waste on public highways. This is applicable to any business that transports, buys, sells or disposes of waste. Even a waste carrier broker who arranges for someone else to buy, sell or dispose of waste must obtain a waste carriers license. It was introduced in the UK in 2014, to help make the cities greener and to reduce the harmful effects of fly-tips. Waste carrier licenses help make sure that any business that moves or disposes of waste is doing so legally.
How to register for a waste carrier license?
It is beneficial to your business and customers if you register with the Environment Agency via the form which is available for download on its website. If you are transporting waste for yourself then it is usually free but will cost £154 otherwise. Once you are registered your details will appear on the public register of waster carriers, brokers and dealers.
You will need to provide the names and dates of birth of your business’s executives, owners, directors or partners. Details if they have committed any environmental offences and a way to pay for the license.
There are two types of waste carriers licenses you can apply for. Depending on the type of business you run and the nature of the waste you transport and dispose of you can choose either a lower tier or an upper tier.
Lower tier: This is for businesses carrying waste produced by them in the course of their business and mostly consists of animal by-products, mines and quarries waste and agricultural waste. This is however not applicable for demolition waste or construction waste. The lower tier waste collection licence is free and lasts indefinitely.
Upper tier: If none of the above fits your business then you will be applicable for the upper or higher tier range. If you deal with moving other people’s waste such as skip company or a man and van service or if you transport waste such as demolition or construction waste, you will be required to register for an upper tier waste carrier license. This tier is also applicable for those who buy or sell waste, either directly or through an agent.
The higher tier licences have to be renewed every three years, at £105 for a renewal. If your business contact or management details change or if a staff member is convicted of an environmental offence you will need to update your registration. This has to be done within 28 days of the event. Further if your business changes what it does, you will need to update your registration at an additional cost of £40.
What happens if I am not registered for a waste carrier license?
It is illegal not to register for a waste carriers license and you will be criminally prosecuted. It constitutes a breach of contract, and you will fined up to £5,000. Simply, it is the law that if you transport anything that can be classified as rubbish by the government that is not produced by your own company, then you need to register as a waste carrier.
What does this mean for people with waste to dispose of?
As a customer when you hire a waste carrier it is your responsibility to ensure that they are licensed waste carriers. Even for a man and van service it is safer to ensure they are in the register of waste carriers and have the necessary license to carry out your waste removal work. You can verify this on authorised waste carriers or call 08708 506506
Conclusion
The waste carrier license is an indication that both carriers and customers alike are doing their part to preserve the greenery found in and around the cities in the UK and well worth it as we reap the overall benefits of a greener, prettier and environmentally healthier country.