Hazardous waste guidance for UK sites
Straightforward explanations of the rules that apply to your waste, written by the people who handle it every day.
Hazardous waste register: what it is and how long to keep hazardous waste records
A hazardous waste register is the set of records each business in the waste chain keeps. This guide explains what goes in it, how long each role keeps it in England, where it is held and how records work in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Read guide6 min
Hazard pictograms explained: what the red diamond symbols mean
The red and white diamonds on chemical labels are CLP hazard pictograms. This guide names all nine, explains what each one represents, and sets out how they relate to classifying waste in the UK.
Read guide5 min
Waste transfer note vs consignment note: what is the difference?
A waste transfer note covers non-hazardous waste, while a consignment note travels with hazardous waste. This guide compares when each is used, what each records, who fills in which part and how long records are kept, with notes on Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Read guide6 min
Unknown waste: why unidentified waste cannot be collected and how identification works
Unknown or unidentified waste cannot be collected until it has been identified and classified. This guide explains the legal reasons, what Environment Agency guidance WM3 says about waste of unknown composition, and how our four-step process works.
Read guide6 min
How to check waste carrier registration in the UK
The Duty of Care includes making sure waste only goes to someone authorised to take it. This guide explains who must register as a waste carrier, what upper and lower tier mean, and where the public registers live in each UK nation.
Read guide5 min
What is a safety data sheet, and why does it matter for waste?
A plain explanation of the safety data sheet: what it is, who supplies it under UK and EU chemicals law, and how WM3 waste classification guidance refers to it when a product becomes waste.
Read guide5 minStill not sure how to dispose of your waste?
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