Waste activity authorisations
Waste activities include:
- storing waste
- transporting waste
- treating waste
- final disposal of waste
Waste activities are regulated by:
- Waste management licences and exemptions, in Northern Ireland
- EASR authorisations, in Scotland
Waste management licences and exemptions in Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland, if you carry out a waste activity you may need a waste management licence or exemption.
You are unlikely to need a licence if you only store waste that you produce and an authorised waste carrier removes it from your site regularly. However, you must check that anyone who handles your waste has the correct permit, licence or exemption.
Your activity may qualify for an exemption from waste management licensing. Whether you need a licence or to register an exemption will depend on:
- how long you store waste
- the types and quantities of wastes that you handle
- the activities carried out on your site.
If your activity is exempt, you may still need to register it with the NIEA. You will still need to comply with controls to prevent pollution and harm to human health.
Waste management licences Northern Ireland
EASR waste activity authorisations in Scotland
In Scotland, if your business carries out a waste activity, including transporting your own waste, you may need an EASR authorisation. You can apply for an EASR authorisation from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).
You must comply with the conditions of your authorisation.
EASR waste authorisations Scotland
Some common, low risk waste activities (LWRA) don’t need authorisation from SEPA. However, you must follow certain conditions for each activity. If you cannot comply with the conditions, you may need an EASR waste authorisation.
Low risk waste activities Scotland
Further information
Contact your environmental regulator