Guide
Criminal record checks for waste permits
Last updated 15 September 2026
From 22 July 2027, applying for a waste transporter, controller or combined permit in England includes a criminal record check. The Environment Agency can refuse a permit on the strength of it and can revoke a permit later if something comes to light. The exact form of the check, and which offences count against you, have not been published.
What is known
Defra has said the purpose is to stop people with a history of waste crime from setting up again under a new name, which the current registration system allows. The EA has said it will use its new powers to refuse, suspend and revoke.
Environmental permits for sites already ask applicants about relevant convictions, and the EA publishes guidance on which offences it treats as relevant, mainly environmental and waste offences. The new checks bring transporters and controllers into that framework and replace a simple declaration with a formal check.
Who gets checked
For a sole trader, you. For a company, it is not yet confirmed whether directors, the nominated competent person, or both are checked.
If you have a conviction
Do not hide it. Under the environmental permitting rules a false declaration is itself grounds for refusal or revocation, and it is an offence. Whether a conviction blocks you will depend on what it was for, how long ago it was, and how the EA treats spent convictions, none of which is settled yet. Waste and environmental offences are the obvious concern. Get advice before you apply rather than after a refusal, and allow more time.
Practical points
The identity check is separate and comes first, so have photo ID and proof of address ready. Expect the criminal record stage to add days or weeks to the application rather than hours. If you are migrating from an existing registration, start the process well before your registration expires so there is no gap.
Still to be confirmed
- The type of check (a basic disclosure, an enhanced check, or the EA's own process).
- The list of relevant offences and how spent convictions are treated.
- Who in a company is checked.
- Whether the check is repeated at each three-year renewal.
Frequently asked questions
- Will a motoring offence stop me getting a permit?
- Not known. The stated focus is waste and environmental crime, but the list of relevant offences has not been published.
- Do my drivers need a criminal record check?
- Not known. The check applies to the permit application; whether it extends to individual drivers has not been confirmed.
- Does the check repeat at renewal?
- Not known.
The readiness checklist includes the documents to gather before you apply.Check which permit you need
This guide is general information, not legal advice. The Environment Agency makes the final decision on any application.