How to Check a SEPA Waste Carrier Licence (2026 Guide)

If you hand your waste to someone who is not a SEPA registered waste carrier and they fly-tip it, the fine of up to £5,000 lands on you, not them. Here is exactly how to check before you book — it takes 30 seconds.

Why this matters under Scottish law

Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Waste (Scotland) Regulations 2012, every household and business has a Duty of Care for the waste they produce. That duty includes ensuring it is taken by an authorised person. If you can't prove the person you handed it to was registered, you are jointly liable.

In practice, SEPA traces fly-tipped waste back to the household via paperwork inside it (utility bills, name labels) and pursues the producer for both the clean-up cost and a fixed-penalty fine.

The 30-second check

1. Go to sepa.org.uk/regulations/waste
2. Click "Public Register"
3. Search by company name OR by licence number
4. If they appear in the register with status "Active" — they are legitimate
5. If they don't appear, or status is suspended — do not use them

Our SEPA licence

Cheaper Than A Skip Ltd licence number: WCR/R/3011855. Type that into the SEPA register and you should find us listed as Active. We hold an Upper Tier registration which means we are authorised to carry our own controlled waste plus that of others on a commercial basis.

Other things to ask before booking

• Can you see proof of public liability insurance? (Cover should be £2m minimum, ideally £5m)
• Will you receive a written waste transfer note after the job?
• Is the company a registered UK company? (Check Companies House)
• Are there reviews under the company name on Google or Trustpilot?

Red flags

• "We don't do paperwork"
• "Cash only, no receipt"
• Vehicle has no company branding
• Quote significantly below market rate
• "We use the council facility" — without a transfer note, you have no evidence

What to do if you suspect fly-tipping

• Report to SEPA Pollution Hotline: 0800 807 060
• Photograph the location, the waste and any vehicle if seen
• Don't handle the waste yourself if hazardous
• If you're the landowner, you may be liable for clean-up — see our fly tipping clearance page

Get a Free Quote in 60 Minutes

Send us a photo on WhatsApp at 07951 488152 and we'll have a fixed-price quote back to you within the hour. No obligation, no hidden fees. Or get in touch here to arrange your same-day collection across Scotland.