Understanding Waste Transfer Notes: Transferor, Transferee & the Transfer Explained
Understanding Waste Transfer Notes: Transferor, Transferee and the Transfer Explained
If you work in waste management or construction, you’ve probably completed a Waste Transfer Note (WTN) before. It’s the official record showing that waste has moved legally from one person or business to another.
But there’s one area that regularly causes confusion — the terms transferor, transferee, and transfer. Let’s break these down clearly.
1. What is a Waste Transfer Note?
A Waste Transfer Note is a legal document required under UK waste regulations. It records the transfer of non-hazardous waste between two parties — for example, when a builder gives waste to a licensed waste carrier.
The form includes details such as:
- The type and quantity of waste
- The SIC code and waste description
- The names and addresses of both parties
- Waste carrier licence number (if applicable)
- Signatures from both sides confirming the transfer
Every transfer of waste must have a corresponding note, and both parties must keep a copy for at least two years.
2. What Does “Transferor” Mean?
The transferor is the person or business giving away the waste. They are the producer or holder of the waste — the one responsible for ensuring it’s passed on to someone authorised to deal with it properly.
Example: A building contractor clearing a site and handing over rubble to a licensed waste carrier is the transferor.
Think of the transferor as the sender of the waste.
3. What Does “Transferee” Mean?
The transferee is the person or business receiving the waste. This could be a licensed waste carrier, a recycling centre, skip hire company, or treatment/disposal facility. They accept legal responsibility for the waste once it has been transferred.
Example: The skip company collecting rubble from the building site is the transferee.
Think of the transferee as the receiver of the waste.
4. What is “The Transfer”?
The transfer is the act of passing control of the waste from one party to another. It happens when the waste leaves the transferor’s site and is accepted by the transferee — usually when the vehicle is loaded and departs.
Both parties sign the Waste Transfer Note to confirm that:
- The waste is correctly described
- The recipient is authorised to take it
- The transfer complies with UK waste law
5. Why It Matters
Using the correct terms and completing the form accurately helps you:
- Stay compliant with the Environmental Protection Act 1990
- Avoid fines or prosecution for incorrect documentation
- Create a clear audit trail for your waste management records
Incorrectly identifying the transferor or transferee can make your paperwork invalid, so it’s worth double-checking before signing.
6. Example in Simple Terms
| Role | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Transferor | Person giving away the waste | Building contractor |
| Transferee | Person receiving the waste | Licensed waste carrier |
| Transfer | The act of moving waste from one to the other | When the carrier collects the waste |
7. Tip for Businesses
If you handle waste regularly, keep a clear process for recording transfers. Using a fillable PDF Waste Transfer Note (like Docuqo’s ready-to-use templates) ensures:
- All required fields are included
- The layout matches UK regulations
- Records are stored neatly for compliance audits
Explore our professionally designed Waste Transfer Note templates — editable, printable, and built for UK businesses.
