1. Prevent any of the waste escaping while it is under your control. You must store it safely and securely in suitable containers, buildings etc. Even when you put it out for others to collect - until they do, the waste is still under your control. Keep your waste secured.

2. Check that anyone you give your waste to has the authority to take it. Businesses can only give their wastes to certain types of authorised parties.

3. Describe your waste carefully. This needs to be done before you can pass your waste onto anyone else. The description should be good enough o ensure that whoever handles it afterwards can do so without harming people or the environment. The description should include the 6 digit European Waste Catalogue  reference for your wastes - if in doubt, ask your waste manager for help.

Your waste may also be hazardous (or "special"). If so, tighter controls apply.

4. Keep Records. There must be a written record of any "transfer" (ie wherever it is passed from one business into the control of another). This is called a "Transfer Note" and you should keep a copy of it on your files for at least two years for any possible enforcement follow up.

For a ten step check list of information needed on a Transfer Note click here.

A copy of a model transfer note is included in Defra's Code of Practice.

Repeat arrangements for your waste if all details remain the same - eg your council or waste manager pick the same sorts of waste up from your premises every week - you can cover up to a years worth of collections through just one transfer note. Ask your waste manager for help if this applies.