Duty of Care

UK businesses produce over 75million tonnes per annum of commercial and industrial waste, and as a waste producer you have certain obligations under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to ensure it is properly controlled and managed.

The Duty of Care Regulations 1991 place a duty upon producers, importers, carriers and disposers of controlled waste to:

  • Registered waste carriers or those entitled to exemption under Registration of Carriers and Seizure of Vehicles Regulations 1991
  • Holders of a permit, waste management licence or waste management licence exemption
  • The waste producer (when transferring their own waste – except construction or demolition waste
  • A waste transfer note must be passed between each holder of the waste; this may also include the written waste description, and can be valid for up to one year for regular waste transfers. The transfer note must be kept for a minimum of two years after the transfer and contain the following information:

    • The identity of the waste and the EWC code
    • The quantity of waste and how the waste is contained
    • Names, addresses and signatures of the transferor and transferee
    • Place and date of transfer.

      The written description of the waste should be sufficient for the next holder to deal with the waste without breaching the provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, namely Section 33 – that deals with unlawful deposit of waste.

      The penalties for failing to comply with these legal requirements are severe so it is essential to use a waste management company you can trust. By using Acumen Waste Services for all of your waste requirements you can be completely confident that your Duty of Care obligations are being fully met. We are committed to helping you make sure that you are equipped to meet legislative requirements and prepared for increasing environmental challenges.

      Call 0845 606331 or email info@acumenwaste.co.uk if you require further information.

External Reference

AW

Useful Links and Contacts


The Enviroment Agency regulate waste management activities including the transport, treatment and disposal of wastes.


Envirowise offers UK businesses free, independent, confidential advice and support on practical ways to increase profits, minimise waste and reduce environmental impact.


NetRegs provides free environmental guidance for small businesses in the UK. They will help you to understand what you need to do to comply with environmental legislation and protect the environment.


This site provides practical advice for business including describing the key principles of effective waste management: reduction and disposal