Free Waste Carrier Licence Checker
Enter a waste carrier licence number below to check if it matches the expected format. Then verify it on the Environment Agency public register.
What is a waste carrier licence?
A waste carrier licence (officially called a waste carrier, broker and dealer registration) is a legal requirement for anyone who transports controlled waste in England and Wales. It is issued by the Environment Agency under the Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011.
Upper tier vs lower tier
There are two tiers of registration. Which one you need depends on what type of waste you carry and whether it is your main business activity.
CBDU Upper tier
For businesses that carry other people's waste as a regular activity. Costs £154 to register, £105 to renew every 3 years. Required for skip hire, waste collection companies, and commercial carriers.
CBDL Lower tier
For businesses that only carry their own waste, or carry waste that isn't their main business. Free to register, no renewal needed. Covers builders carrying their own site waste, for example.
What happens without a licence?
Carrying controlled waste without a valid registration is a criminal offence under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. The Environment Agency can issue fines of up to £5,000 and seize your vehicle. Repeat offenders face unlimited fines and up to 5 years in prison.
WTN App automatically records carrier licence numbers on every digital waste transfer note.
Start free