QWTN
Sign up free

EA Register Lookup

Search the Environment Agency public register to verify carriers and permit holders, and auto-fill client details.

What the EA Register lookup does

The EA Register lookup queries the Environment Agency's public Waste Carrier Register and Environmental Permit register in real time. When you select a result, it auto-fills the client name, address, postcode, and registration or permit number into the form. This removes manual data entry and ensures the details match the official record.

Register and search modes

The lookup has two register modes and two search-by modes, selectable via toggle buttons in the header bar.

EA Register
Search Carrier or Permit register
Searches the EA Waste Carrier, Broker and Dealer register.
Searches the EA Environmental Permit register.
Searches by company or operator name.
Searches by locality or town name.
Search carrier name…
Requires at least 2 characters. Results appear after a 350ms debounce.

Reading the results

Each result shows the company name and a row of badges: registration or permit number (in the primary colour), postcode, registration type or site type. Click a result to select it and populate the form. You can use the keyboard: arrow keys to navigate, Enter to select, Escape to close the dropdown.

During onboarding

The EA Register lookup also appears during the account onboarding process (EARegistrationStep). At that stage it is used exclusively to verify your own waste carrier registration before you can complete setup. Type at least 2 characters, select your company from the list, then click "This is my company, Continue".

Live EA data — results may vary
The lookup queries the EA public register directly. New registrations or recently revoked carriers may not appear immediately if the EA has not yet updated their API. Always cross-check with the official EA public register if in doubt.
Search by town for unfamiliar carriers
If you receive waste from a carrier whose exact company name you are unsure of, switch to Town mode and search by postcode area or locality to find them in the register.
Selecting a result overwrites current form values
When you click a result, the name, address, postcode, and registration fields are overwritten with the register data. If you have already started entering details manually, use the lookup before filling in the form.
Common Mistakes
Typing fewer than 2 characters — the lookup requires at least 2 characters before it starts searching.
Searching for an individual driver name rather than the company name — the EA Carrier Register lists the registered business, not individual employees.
Not switching to Permit mode when looking up a waste treatment facility — treatment sites hold environmental permits, not carrier registrations.

Field Reference

FieldRequiredDescription
CarrierNoActive by default. Returns registration number and registration type (e.g. Upper Tier Carrier).
PermitNoReturns permit number and site type for treatment/disposal facilities.
NameNoDefault search-by mode. Placeholder reads "Search carrier name…" or "Search operator name…".
TownNoUseful when you know the location but not the exact company name.
Search inputNoLive search field. Use the arrow keys to navigate results, Enter to select, Escape to close.