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ARTICLE 04Getting Started Hazardous Waste5 min readUK Only

How to Create a Digital Hazardous Waste Consignment Note

Updated June 2026 · Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005 (England & Wales)

Every movement of hazardous waste in England and Wales requires a Hazardous Waste Consignment Note (HWCN). WasteBolt lets you create, complete, and store these digitally — keeping you compliant without the paperwork.

What is a Hazardous Waste Consignment Note?

A Hazardous Waste Consignment Note (HWCN) is a legal document that must accompany every consignment of hazardous waste from the point it leaves the premises. It records who produced the waste, who carried it, and where it is going for treatment or disposal.

When is it required? Any site in England or Wales producing, carrying, or receiving hazardous waste must use a consignment note. This applies to all waste classified as hazardous under the List of Wastes (England) Regulations — including oils, solvents, batteries, asbestos, and clinical waste.

Unlike a standard Waste Transfer Note (used for non-hazardous waste), the HWCN is more detailed and must be retained by all parties for at least 3 years.

The Six Parts of a Consignment Note

The standard HWCN is structured into six parts (A–F), each completed by a different party in the waste chain:

A

Completed by: Consignor (waste producer)

Consignment number, premises address, quantity, waste description, EWC code, physical form.

B

Completed by: Waste carrier

Carrier name, licence number, vehicle registration, date of collection, signature.

C

Completed by: Consignor (waste producer)

Declaration that the information is accurate and the waste is correctly described and packaged.

D

Completed by: Consignee (receiving site)

Confirmation that the waste arrived in the stated quantity and condition.

E

Completed by: Consignee (receiving site)

Confirmation of how the waste was managed — recycled, treated, or disposed of.

F

Completed by: Consignee (if applicable)

Used only if the consignee rejects the waste. Records reason for rejection and next steps.

Creating a Consignment Note in WasteBolt

1

Open the Consignment Notes section

From the main menu, go to Waste Records → Consignment Notes. This section lists all your existing consignment notes and lets you create new ones.
2

Click ‘New Consignment Note’

Tap New Consignment Note at the top right. WasteBolt will generate a unique consignment number automatically — you do not need to create one yourself.
3

Complete Part A — Consignment Details

Fill in the details for the waste being moved:

  • Premises address — where the waste is being collected from
  • EWC code — the European Waste Catalogue code for your waste type
  • Waste description — a clear, accurate description of what the waste is
  • Physical form — solid, liquid, sludge, gas, or mixed
  • Quantity — estimated weight or volume
  • Hazard codes — e.g. H3, H5, H14 — select all that apply
  • Container type and number — e.g. 2 x 200L drums
4

Add the carrier details (Part B)

Enter your waste carrier's details. WasteBolt can pull from saved carriers in your pick lists. Include the carrier's Environment Agency registration number — this is a legal requirement.
5

Sign the consignor declaration (Part C)

The consignor (your site) confirms that the waste is accurately described and properly packaged for transport. In WasteBolt, this is a digital declaration checkbox — no wet signature required.
6

Send to the carrier and consignee

Once Parts A–C are complete, share the note with your carrier and the receiving site. WasteBolt lets you export as a PDF or share a link directly. The carrier completes Part B on collection; the consignee completes Parts D and E on receipt.
7

Save and store

WasteBolt stores your completed consignment note securely. You — and all parties — are legally required to keep copies for at least 3 years.

Consignment Numbers Explained

Each consignment note must have a unique consignment number. WasteBolt generates these automatically using the standard format:

A1234567 / 2026 / 001

Where A1234567 is your EA premises code, 2026 is the calendar year, and 001 is the sequential number for that year. WasteBolt manages the sequence for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's Next?

ARTICLE 05

Setting Up Pick Lists

Pre-fill carriers, EWC codes, and sites to speed up note creation.

Read
ARTICLE 02

Non-Hazardous WTN Guide

Creating a standard Waste Transfer Note for non-hazardous loads.

Read
ARTICLE 03

Season Ticket Guide

How season tickets work and when to use one instead of individual WTNs.

Read