A Waste Transfer Certificate

A Waste Transfer Certificate (often called a Waste Transfer Note, or WTN) is a legal document used in many countries to track the transfer of non-hazardous waste from one party to another. It is part of compliance with environmental regulations and ensures that waste is managed responsibly.

What It Includes:

A typical Waste Transfer Certificate includes:

1. Details of the Waste:

   • Description of the waste (e.g., type, quantity, physical form)

   • European Waste Catalogue (EWC) code (if applicable)

   • How the waste is contained (e.g., bags, drums)

2. Producer and Receiver Details:

   • Name, address, and contact information of both the waste producer and receiver (e.g., waste carrier, disposal site)

   • Environmental permit or registration numbers

3. Transfer Details:

   • Date and time of the transfer

   • Vehicle registration (if transported)

   • Signature or confirmation from both parties

4. Declaration:

   • Statement that the waste has been described accurately and is being handled in compliance with the law

When It’s Needed:

• Every time waste is transferred from one party to another (except when covered under other specific regimes, such as Hazardous Waste Consignment Notes).

• Often used by construction firms, commercial businesses, or any organization generating non-household waste.

Retention:

• Must be kept for at least 2 years by both parties.

• Must be made available to environmental regulators upon request.

Formats:

• Single-use WTNs for one-time transfers

• Annual WTNs for repeated transfers of the same waste between the same parties