Waste Transfer Notes — Overview

Understand the three note types available in QWTN and when to use each one.

What is a Waste Transfer Note?

Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (Duty of Care), every transfer of controlled waste in England and Wales must be accompanied by a Waste Transfer Note (WTN). The note records the waste description, EWC codes, quantities, containment type, both parties' details, and signatures. QWTN lets you create, store, sign, and print WTNs digitally.

One-Off Notes

One-Off Notes are single-use WTNs that cover a single waste transfer event. They are required for each individual collection under the Duty of Care. Use them for ad-hoc jobs, one-time collections, or any transfer that does not repeat regularly between the same parties.

Season Tickets

A Season Ticket covers multiple transfers of the same waste type between the same two parties for a period of up to 12 months. Instead of a single transfer date, you set a start date and a "valid until" end date in Section D. Season tickets are ideal for regular, recurring waste collections — for example, a weekly skip service at a fixed site.

Hazardous Notes (coming soon)

Hazardous Waste Consignment Notes (HWCN) are required for the transfer of hazardous waste in England. They cover Parts A–E and include EA pre-notification and a 3-year retention requirement. This feature is in development and is not yet available.

Note counts

The Notes hub page shows your current note counts for One-Off Notes and Season Tickets. Click either card to go to that note type's list, where you can view drafts, complete notes, and access templates.

Duty of Care requirement

Failure to produce a WTN when transferring controlled waste is a criminal offence under Section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. QWTN stores your notes securely and lets you retrieve them for inspection at any time.

Use Season Tickets for regular clients

If you collect the same type of waste from the same client every week, a season ticket valid for up to 12 months means you only need to complete one note per year instead of one per collection.

Common Mistakes

• Using a One-Off Note for a recurring collection — a Season Ticket is legally more appropriate and saves significant admin time.

• Not keeping completed notes — Duty of Care notes must be retained for at least two years. QWTN stores them indefinitely.

Creating a Note

Use the PreviewEditor to build a complete, legally valid Waste Transfer Note section by section.

Season Ticket Notes

Cover multiple transfers of the same waste type between the same parties for up to 12 months.

Note History & Audit Log

View your complete history of waste transfer notes with status indicators, chain flags, and CSV export.