In England, the regulatory body is the Environment Agency, and in Wales it is Natural Resources Wales. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency respectively are responsible for environmental regulation.

Since 2014, anyone regularly carrying their own trade waste in England, Wales or Northern Ireland must be registered as a waste carrier. In Scotland, an equivalent requirement has applied since 2011.

This factsheet explains how to register as a waste carrier in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, detailing the process and criteria to be met. It does not cover firms that buy waste to sell, as these must register as waste dealers in England, Wales and Scotland or as waste brokers in Northern Ireland. Providers of specialist waste collection services must be registered as waste brokers.