Waste carriers, brokers and dealers

If you arrange the collection, recycling, recovery or disposal of controlled waste on behalf of another person, or if you buy and sell waste, even without ever taking possession of or storing the waste, you must register as a waste broker or dealer with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA).

Registrations are valid for three years. You can apply for registration as a:

• waste carrier and dealer
• waste carrier and broker

You can get application forms to register from NIEA - if you are not sure whether you need to register, check with NIEA.

Check if you need a waste management licence or exemption to store waste

If you store other people's waste on your own site you must be authorised to do so by a waste management licence.

If you already have a waste management licence or exemption, you do not need to register as a waste broker if you arrange for someone else's waste to be disposed of or stored on the site covered by the licence or exemption. If you arrange for someone else's waste to be sent to a site that is not covered by your licence or exemption, you must register as a waste broker.

Check the register of waste carriers, brokers and dealers

Make sure all waste carriers, brokers and dealers you pass waste on to are registered or exempt.

Use waste transfer or consignment notes

Whenever you accept waste from someone, or pass waste to someone, you must ensure that the transfer is covered by a waste transfer note or a hazardous waste consignment note. You must keep copies of waste transfer notes for two years and consignment notes for three years.

You can get application forms to register as a carrier or broker from NIEA.

Good practice for waste brokers

Be aware of the nature of the waste you are dealing with and ensure that:

• the waste producer uses appropriate containment or packaging for the waste
• the waste is accurately described on the waste transfer note
• only registered waste carriers move the waste
• the waste is only disposed of or recovered at an appropriately licensed or exempt site