Is garden waste controlled waste?

Yes. Garden waste, green waste, hedge trimmings, tree branches, grass cuttings, and soil are all controlled waste under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. If you remove them from a customer site, you need a waste transfer note.

What is the difference between 20 02 01 and 20 02 02?

20 02 01 is biodegradable garden and park waste (grass, leaves, branches, hedge trimmings). 20 02 02 is soil and stones. If your load contains both, list both codes on the waste transfer note.

Do tree surgeons need waste carrier licences?

Yes. Any business that transports controlled waste needs a waste carrier licence from the Environment Agency. This includes tree surgeons, garden clearance companies, and grounds maintenance firms.

Garden Waste Services

Waste Transfer Notes for Garden Waste Services

Garden clearance companies, tree surgeons, and grounds maintenance teams move large volumes of green waste, soil, and stumps. Every load you remove from a customer site needs a waste transfer note. QWTN makes it easy to stay legal.

Create a Free WTN →See Pricing

Sound familiar?

The paperwork pain

Green waste is still controlled waste

Hedge trimmings, branches, and grass cuttings are controlled waste. If you carry it away, you need a WTN.

Large volumes, frequent trips

Tree surgery and clearance work generates trailer-loads of waste every day. That is a lot of notes.

Soil vs green waste confusion

Is it 20 02 01 or 20 02 02? Soil and green waste have different EWC codes and may go to different sites.

Carrier licence compliance

You need a waste carrier licence AND a waste transfer note for every load. Both are checked by the EA.

How QWTN helps

Built for Garden Waste

Works on Your Phone

Create a WTN at the customer’s garden, before you drive to the tip. Under a minute.

EWC Code Lookup

Search for "garden waste", "soil", or "tree stumps" and get the right code instantly.

Season Tickets

One note covers 12 months of regular grounds maintenance collections from the same client.

Templates for Repeat Clients

Save your regular customers and waste types. Fill a note in seconds on the next visit.

Carrier Verification

Prove your carrier licence is valid and verify any third-party carriers you use.

2-Year Cloud Storage

Every note stored securely. No paper filing, no risk of losing records.

Quick reference

Common EWC Codes

20 02 01Biodegradable garden and park waste

20 02 02Soil and stones

20 02 03Other non-biodegradable wastes

02 01 03Plant-tissue waste

See all garden waste services EWC codes

Simple pricing

Plans that fit your operation

Recommended

Solo

£12/month

One-person operations

Carrier

£29/month

Teams up to 5

Fleet

£69/month

Unlimited team

All plans include a free trial. One-off notes are always free, no account needed.

Learn more

Small Business Guide to Waste Duty of Care (UK)

Even the smallest UK business has a legal duty of care for its waste. This guide explains what small businesses must do, common misconceptions, and the simplest way to stay compliant.

UK Duty of Care for Waste: What Every Business Must Know

Every UK business that produces, carries, or disposes of controlled waste has a legal duty of care. This guide explains your obligations under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Who Needs a Waste Carrier Licence in the UK?

Any business transporting controlled waste in England and Wales needs a waste carrier licence from the Environment Agency. Learn who needs one, how to register, and the penalties for unlicensed carrying.

Common questions

FAQ

Every trailer of green waste needs a WTN. Make it take 60 seconds.

Create compliant waste transfer notes from the job site — free to start.

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No sign-up needed for one-off notes · 2-year cloud storage · DEFRA 2026 ready