Free tool · Environment Agency register · no account

Check a waste carrier licence

Type the licence number or the business name. We check it live against the Environment Agency's register and show you the tier and the expiry date. Takes ten seconds.

If you're a householder
It's your job to check whoever takes your rubbish is licensed. If it ends up fly-tipped, you can be fined up to £600 — even though someone else dumped it.
Licence numbers start CBDU (upper tier) or CBDL (lower tier).
Don't have it? Search the business name instead.
What the result means
Upper tier — can carry other people's waste for money. This is the one a rubbish removal or clearance firm needs.
Lower tier — can only move their own waste. Not a licence to take yours.
Expired or not found — don't hand over the waste. Ask them for the number on their licence and check again.
Other registers
Straight answers

Questions people ask

Is a waste carrier licence the same as being registered?
Yes. The law calls it "registered as a waste carrier"; everyone in the trade calls it a licence. Same thing, same number.
Do I really have to check before someone takes my rubbish?
Yes. Householders have a legal duty of care. If your waste is found dumped and you didn't check, the council can fine you — typically £150 to £600.
What do upper tier and lower tier mean?
Upper tier can carry other people's waste for money — the one a rubbish removal or clearance firm needs. Lower tier can only move their own waste. Licence numbers start CBDU for upper and CBDL for lower.
What about Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland?
This tool checks the Environment Agency register, which covers England. Wales is on Natural Resources Wales' register, Scotland on SEPA's and Northern Ireland on DAERA's — we link to each below.
How much does a waste carrier licence cost?
Upper tier is a fee to the Environment Agency, renewed every three years; lower tier is free and doesn't expire. Apply on GOV.UK — you don't need anyone to do it for you.