Waste

All businesses produce some waste. This section covers what the regulations require from businesses to manage their waste with as little impact on the environment as possible.

We also offer good practice advice on how to reduce, reuse and recycle your business waste.

Please note: In Scotland, if you carry out activities involving the management of waste, including treatment and storage of waste, you are likely to have a waste management licence or waste exemption. From 1 November 2025, the regulation of all waste management activities has moved under the Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations (EASR). Some existing waste authorisations, including conditions will be the same. However, some types of authorisations will no longer be available, meaning you will need to apply for a new EASR authorisation. Keep an eye on the NetRegs guidance pages for updates to guidance relating to changes brought in by EASR.