Documentation Index
Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.wastecheck.co.uk/llms.txt
Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
Authentication
The WasteCheck API uses API keys to authenticate requests. You can manage your API keys from the Developer Portal.
API Key Authentication
Include your API key in the Authorization header with every request:
curl https://api.wastecheck.co.uk/v1/verify-carrier \
-H "Authorization: Bearer wc_live_your_api_key_here"
Live vs Test Keys
WasteCheck provides two types of API keys:
| Key Type | Prefix | Purpose |
|---|
| Live | wc_live_ | Production requests, counted against quota |
| Test | wc_test_ | Development and testing, returns mock data, not billed |
Never expose your API keys in client-side code, public repositories, or browser requests. Always make API calls from your server.
Getting Your API Key
- Sign up at portal.wastecheck.co.uk/signup
- Navigate to API Keys in the dashboard
- Click Create New Key and choose Live or Test
- Copy the key immediately — it is only shown once
Rate Limiting
Rate limits are applied per API key using a sliding window. When you exceed the limit, the API returns 429 Too Many Requests with a Retry-After header.
Monthly usage is tracked per API key and resets on the 1st of each billing cycle.
Plan Limits
| Plan | Price | Monthly Calls | Rate Limit |
|---|
| Free | £0 | 50 | 10 req/min |
| Starter | £29/mo | 200 | 30 req/min |
| Professional | £79/mo | 1,000 | 60 req/min |
| Business | £249/mo | 10,000 | 120 req/min |
| Enterprise | Custom | Custom | Custom |
| Header | Description |
|---|
X-RateLimit-Limit | Maximum requests per minute for your plan |
X-RateLimit-Remaining | Requests remaining in the current window |
X-RateLimit-Reset | Unix timestamp when the window resets |
X-Monthly-Limit | Total calls allowed this billing cycle |
X-Monthly-Remaining | Calls remaining this billing cycle |
Error Responses
If authentication fails, the API returns:
{
"error": {
"code": "INVALID_API_KEY",
"message": "API key is missing, invalid, or revoked.",
"status": 401
}
}
Common Error Codes
| Code | HTTP | Description |
|---|
INVALID_API_KEY | 401 | API key is missing, invalid, or revoked |
RATE_LIMIT_EXCEEDED | 429 | Request rate or monthly usage limit exceeded |
INVALID_REQUEST | 400 | Request body is malformed or missing required fields |
INTERNAL_ERROR | 500 | Unexpected server error |
