• Fixed monthly price • All waste types covered • FREE bins and delivery • Excellent customer support
The process of obtaining a waste management license can be a real headache, especially when you are a new business owner with little time to read up on all the legislation involved.
Even if you are already a seasoned business owner, the continuous updates to regulations can still catch you off guard if you aren’t aware of the changes.
Luckily, we’ve compiled a simple guide of what all business owners should be aware of in order to safely and legally handle their trash.
Read our guide for waste disposal regulations.
Am I exempt from obtaining a waste management license?
Businesses must obtain an environmental permit if they are regularly handling waste as part of their day-to-day activities. We advise checking if you meet the criteria if you are:
- Using waste
- Disposing waste
- Treating waste
- Storing waste
You may be exempt from obtaining an RPS permit if you meet certain requirements. This will depend on the type of waste, the method of disposal or recycling, quantity of waste and length of storage time.
If you are exempt from the waste management license you will not have to register again for another 3 years.
You may be required to obtain a waste management license if you are carrying out the final disposal of waste, treating waste or carrying out the recycling process.
Even if you are using mobile waste processing machinery such as an incinerator you may still need to comply with waste management permits.
Businesses that only store the waste for collection to be disposed of by a professional service provider are unlikely to need a license. We advise checking that anyone who handles your refuse has proper documentation as you are still legally responsible for the waste until it reaches the landfill or processing site.
We have access to collectors throughout the UK that offer flexible pricing options. Fill out a quote form to arrange trash collection for your site.
Fees and charges for a waste management license
Typically, an Upper-Tier waste management license can cost £154, but these charges vary depending on your region and specific circumstances. Lower-Tier, as previously mentioned, is often free unless the type of waste or method of disposal is considered harmful to the environment.
Find more guidance about charges here.
Check if you need a standard rules or a bespoke waste management permit
We advise applying or a standard permit if you meet the criteria and are able to comply with these rules, as it is the quicker option of the two. Otherwise, you will have to apply for a bespoke waste management license.
You should be able to operate within a standard permit if your business isn’t located near a nature reserve, SSSI (site of special scientific interest) or if you won’t be handling hazardous materials. You may need to provide plans for risk assessments, site plans and drainage plans for your site as part of your application.
A complete list of requirements for a standard permit can be found on the Environmental Agency’s site.
How long will it take to receive my permit?
Before you get started on the application, you must first assess the site against the risk assessment form.
In addition, you would need to be able to demonstrate your competence – this would include showing evidence of any technical qualifications. The Waste Management Industry Training and Advisory Board provide recognised training courses.
Permits can be issued within 3 weeks. However, considering the multiple factors that can affect your application we advise allowing more time to account for any unforeseen complications.
How can WasteManaged help my business?
We provide full waste disposal services to our customers that are compliant with environmental agency regulations.
We can provide fixed billing to our customers. All disposal services feature a set price plan – this offer is exclusive to WasteManaged.
To get a quote or advice on trade waste then fill out our short quote form here.
