Environmental guidance for your business in Northern Ireland & Scotland
You must register an exemption from waste management licensing if you use any type of waste such as sawdust from untreated wood or shredded paper as bedding for your animals.
The exemption references are:
In Northern Ireland you do not need to register an exemption if your sawdust is made from virgin timber. Ask your supplier what it is made from.
The NIEA has published a regulatory position statement which explains when they consider wood to be waste.
NIEA: Regulatory position statement on the regulation of wood (Adobe PDF - 87KB)
Used animal bedding is waste. You should collect animal bedding separately to your other waste, as it may be considered offensive waste.
Your business is responsible for storing and transporting your waste materials safely and securely. You must ensure that your waste materials do not cause any land, water or air pollution.
Duty of care - your waste responsibilities
If you want to compost your animal bedding you may need to register an exemption from waste management licensing.
If you operate under a registered exemption you must ensure that your activity does not:
SEPA Special Waste Consignment Notes – updated position, The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is now accepting special waste consignment notes (SWCNs) by email only.
DAERA Waste Policy Tracker, The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs has published a Waste policy tracker to stay informed of waste policy developments.
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