The short answer
Not in England. Businesses in England used to have to register their premises with the Environment Agency if they produced or held hazardous waste above a set amount. That requirement ended on 1 April 2016. You don’t need to register, and there is no premises registration fee to pay. For collections, see our hazardous waste collection service for oil and oily waste.
Wales is different. Premises in Wales still have to register with Natural Resources Wales if they produce or hold 500kg or more of hazardous waste in a 12-month period, and renew every year. BL Oils works in England, so the rest of this guide is about the rules in England.
What still applies in England
Ending registration didn’t remove the other hazardous waste rules. Waste oil is hazardous waste, so if your business produces it, such as a garage, workshop, farm, factory or fleet depot, you still have a duty of care and you still need the right paperwork every time it’s collected.
Your consignment note code
Before 2016, the first part of a consignment note code was your premises registration number. Now, in England, you make up the code yourself in this format:
- the first 6 letters or numbers of your business name (no spaces or symbols), then
- a forward slash, then
- 5 letters or numbers you choose, different for every collection from that address.
For example, a business called Smithson Motors might use SMITHS/00001, then SMITHS/00002 for the next collection. If your business name is shorter than 6 characters, fill the gaps with the letter Q. When we collect, we help you get this right on the note.
What you still need to do
- Classify your waste. Used engine, gear and hydraulic oils are hazardous.
- Keep it separate and store it safely. Don’t mix oil with coolant, fuel or solvents.
- Use a registered waste carrier and check their registration on the public register.
- Complete a consignment note for every collection.
- Keep your records for 3 years.
For the full list, see our duty of care checklist, consignment notes explained and is waste oil hazardous waste?
What about digital waste tracking?
Digital waste tracking is being phased in, starting with sites that receive waste. If you produce waste oil, your paper consignment notes carry on as normal for now. See digital waste tracking explained.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to register as a hazardous waste producer in England?
No. Premises registration for hazardous waste producers in England ended on 1 April 2016. The other rules, including consignment notes and keeping records, still apply.
Do I need to register in Wales?
Yes, if your premises produce or hold 500kg or more of hazardous waste in 12 months. Registration is with Natural Resources Wales and must be renewed each year.
What do I put as my consignment note code?
In England, use the first 6 letters or numbers of your business name, a forward slash, then 5 letters or numbers you choose, for example SMITHS/00001. Use a new code for every collection.
Do I still need a consignment note for waste oil?
Yes. Every collection of hazardous waste, including waste oil, needs a consignment note. We provide one with every collection.
Is a small garage or mobile mechanic covered?
Yes. Any waste from a business activity is business waste, so the hazardous waste rules apply to small and home-based businesses too.
Need waste oil collected? BL Oils is based in Doncaster and collects from businesses across all of Yorkshire, plus Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire. Call or WhatsApp 07785 921493, email info@bloils.co.uk or ask for a free quote.
Sources and further reading
- GOV.UK: Dispose of hazardous waste
- GOV.UK: Hazardous waste consignment note guidance
- Natural Resources Wales: Register as a hazardous waste producer
- GOV.UK: Waste duty of care code of practice
Checked against official guidance in October 2026. This guide is general information for businesses in England, not legal advice. Rules change, so check the linked guidance or ask the Environment Agency if you’re unsure.