If your business produces waste, a Waste Transfer Note (WTN) is essential. It’s the legal paper trail that proves your waste moved to an authorised person and went to a licensed facility. In short: it protects your business, the environment, and helps avoid fines.
What is a Waste Transfer Note?
A Waste Transfer Note (WTN) records the transfer of non-hazardous (“controlled”) waste from one holder to another – for example, from your premises to LSI Waste Solutions, and from us to a licensed site. WTNs create an audit trail from collection to final treatment or disposal.
When do you need one?
- Whenever non-hazardous waste leaves your site with a carrier (one-off or regular collections).
- For each transfer between different waste holders (producer → carrier → facility).
- For repeat collections of the same waste from the same place by the same carrier, you can use a “season ticket” covering up to 12 months.
What must a Waste Transfer Note include?
- Accurate description of the waste (no vague terms like “general waste”).
- Any process the waste has been through (e.g., shredding, sorting).
- How it’s contained/packaged (bags, bins, loose, etc.).
- Quantity (ideally weight/estimate).
- Date, time and place of transfer.
- Names & addresses of both parties (your business and the carrier/receiver).
- Carrier details (registration/licence/exemption) and site permit of the receiver.
- European Waste Catalogue (EWC/LoW) code for the waste.
- Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code for your business.
- Signatures from both sides (physical or digital).
How long should you keep it?
Keep WTNs for at least 2 years. Many businesses choose to store them for longer (up to 5 years) alongside tax and compliance records.
What about hazardous/special waste?
Hazardous waste uses different paperwork. In Scotland this is a Special Waste Consignment Note (SWCN). If you’re unsure whether your waste is hazardous, ask us.
What happens if you don’t have WTNs?
Failure to complete/retain WTNs can result in enforcement action and fines. WTNs are your evidence that you fulfilled your Duty of Care by using an authorised carrier and providing accurate information.
How LSI Waste Solutions makes it easy
- We are a licensed waste carrier (WCR/R/3015884).
- We issue a Waste Transfer Note for every job and can provide digital copies for your records.
- We segregate and take waste to licensed facilities, prioritising recycling wherever possible.
Quick checklist to book a collection
- Pickup postcode and brief access note (parking, floors, lifts).
- What’s being removed (items, bag count) and rough volume/weight if known.
- Photos (optional but helpful for a firm quote).
- Preferred date/time (we offer same-day and out-of-hours).
Need a compliant collection with full paperwork?
Call/WhatsApp 07561 138531 or email lsi.wastesolutions1@gmail.com. We cover West Lothian and the Glasgow–Edinburgh corridor 24/7.
