Waste Transfer Notes in Glasgow
Every transfer of ordinary waste in Glasgow should be covered by a waste transfer note. Here is what it is and why it matters.
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When waste leaves your home, business or building site, the law expects you to take reasonable steps to make sure it is handled properly. In Scotland, as across the UK, this is known as the Duty of Care. A waste transfer note is the document that records each transfer of ordinary, non-special waste from one person to another.
For businesses, keeping waste transfer notes is not optional. They show that your waste went to an authorised carrier and was correctly described. Whether you run a café in the Merchant City, manage offices in the International Financial Services District or oversee a site in East Kilbride, you should have a note for your waste.
When you book through Skips Glasgow, the licensed local partner handling your waste provides the appropriate paperwork. Questions? Call 0333 121 1056 or use our contact page.
What a waste transfer note contains
A waste transfer note records who handed the waste over, who received it and what it was. Typically it includes:
- A description of the waste and how it is contained
- The quantity of waste
- The relevant waste classification code
- Names and addresses of the person transferring and the person receiving it
- The date and place of transfer
- The carrier’s waste carrier registration details
Both parties should sign. For regular collections, a single note can sometimes cover a series of identical transfers over a period.
Your Duty of Care
Under the Duty of Care, anyone who produces, carries or disposes of waste must make sure it is passed only to an authorised person, is described accurately, and is stored securely so it does not escape. Businesses must keep their waste transfer notes for at least two years and produce them if asked by SEPA or the local authority.
Using an unregistered carrier – for example, someone offering to take rubbish away cheaply with no paperwork – risks your waste being fly-tipped and you being held responsible. See our overview of waste compliance in Scotland.
Special waste is different
Waste transfer notes cover ordinary waste only. Special waste – Scotland’s term for hazardous waste – is moved with a consignment note instead. The consignment note follows the waste from producer to the receiving facility and is monitored by SEPA. If you are clearing a mix of ordinary and special waste – for example during a refurbishment – each stream needs its own collection and its own paperwork. Read our guide to special waste documentation for more.
Waste Transfer Notes – your questions answered
Can’t see your question? Call 0333 121 1056 or send us a message.
Do householders need a waste transfer note?
Householders have a Duty of Care too and should check their waste goes to an authorised carrier. Asking for paperwork is a good way to make sure. Businesses must keep transfer notes.
How long should I keep waste transfer notes?
Keep them for at least two years. Electronic copies are fine, as long as you can produce them if asked.
Who provides the note when I book with you?
The licensed local partner who collects your waste provides the appropriate documentation, whether for a skip, a trade waste collection or a clearance.
What if my contractor takes the waste?
If your builder removes waste, they become responsible for it and need to be a registered carrier. It is sensible to ask for evidence of registration and paperwork.
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Skips Glasgow provides skip hire, waste collection, recycling and construction support across Glasgow through Waste Cloud’s network of licensed local partners.