What is the duty of care?
Under section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, every business that produces, stores or hands over waste has a duty of care. In plain English: you’re responsible for your waste until it’s passed to someone authorised to take it, and you must take reasonable steps to make sure it’s handled properly. Waste oil is hazardous waste, so a few extra rules apply. Need it taken away? See our waste oil collection service.
Use this checklist to check you’re covered. If you can tick every box, you’re in good shape. For the background, read is waste oil hazardous waste?
1. Storage
- Waste oil is kept in a sound tank, drums or IBCs with lids or caps closed
- Containers are labelled as waste oil
- Tanks and drums are bunded or on drip trays, away from drains
- A spill kit is close by and staff know how to use it
More detail: how to store waste oil.
2. Keeping waste separate
- Oil isn’t mixed with coolant, fuel, solvents, brake fluid or water
- Used filters are drained and kept in a lidded container
- Oily rags are kept in a lidded bin, not general waste
- Antifreeze has its own container (see antifreeze disposal)
3. Choosing a carrier
- You have the carrier’s waste carrier registration number
- You’ve checked it on the Environment Agency public register
- You know where your waste is going
- You never hand waste to anyone who won’t give you paperwork
Our registration is CBDU69834, upper-tier waste carrier and dealer. You’re welcome to check it.
4. Paperwork at every collection
- A hazardous waste consignment note is completed for every collection
- The waste description and code are correct
- Your consignment note code is unique for each collection (see do I need to register?)
- You keep your copy of the note
See consignment notes explained.
5. Records
- Consignment notes are kept for 3 years
- Records are kept at, or available for, the site the waste came from
- You can show them to the Environment Agency if asked
6. Things to avoid
- Pouring oil down a drain, onto the ground or into a soakaway
- Putting oil, filters or oily rags in general waste or a skip
- Burning waste oil without a permit (see can you burn waste oil?)
- Letting a tank overfill before booking a collection
Frequently asked questions
What is the duty of care for waste oil?
You must store waste oil safely, keep it separate from other waste, hand it only to a registered carrier, complete a consignment note for each collection and keep your records for 3 years.
How long do I keep consignment notes?
Keep hazardous waste consignment notes for 3 years.
How do I check a waste carrier?
Ask for their registration number and look it up on the Environment Agency public register. BL Oils is registered as CBDU69834.
Who does the duty of care apply to?
Any business that produces, stores, moves or hands over waste, including small and home-based businesses.
Can I put oily rags in general waste?
No. Oily rags are hazardous waste. Keep them in a lidded bin and have them collected with your oil.
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: Waste duty of care code of practice
- legislation.gov.uk: Environmental Protection Act 1990, section 34
- GOV.UK: Dispose of hazardous waste
- GOV.UK: Hazardous waste consignment note guidance
- Environment Agency: public register (check a waste carrier)
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.