Soil or aggregate washing
If you are carrying out soil or aggregate washing activities, then you may need an authorisation from:
- the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, in Northern Ireland
- the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, in Scotland
In Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland, the exemption for soil or aggregate washing would be a paragraph 14 exemption.
All exempt waste activities must comply with the exemption conditions, including limits on:
- types of waste allowed
- quantities stored or treated
- where the treatment takes place
- end use (soil and rock treated under Para 14(3) must be spread under a Para 9 or 11 exemption unless it achieves End of Waste status)
You will need to register this exemption with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA). An application can be made at Waste Exemption - Paragraph 14 | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. Here you will also find guidance notes on how to complete your application and the documentation you will be required to submit as well as the application fee.
You must still ensure that your activity does not:
- endanger human health or cause pollution to water, air or soil
- cause a risk to plants or animals
- cause a nuisance in terms of noise, dust, fumes, smoke or odour
- adversely affect the countryside or places of special interest.
Waste management licences in Northern Ireland
In Scotland
From 01 November 2025, soil or aggregate washing activities in Scotland will require an Environmental Authorisation (Scotland) Regulations (EASR) authorisation.
Existing operators with a current exemption
If your business already operates under a waste exemption that covers soil or aggregate washing:
- your exemption remains valid until 31 October 2026
- to continue this activity beyond that date, you must apply for an EASR permit before your exemption expires - see information for new operators below
New Operators
Any business carrying out a new activity of soil or aggregate washing will require an EASR permit.
Permit conditions will include:
- limits on what waste types can be accepted
- strengthened waste acceptance procedures for operators
- a requirement to submit waste data returns
Fit and Proper Person Test
The person in control of the activity will be assessed to ensure they are a Fit and Proper Person.
The assessment criteria depends on the specific activity, but can include:
- compliance history
- relevant convictions
- technical competence
- financial provision
Further Information
SEPA guidance: Waste management permits (EASR)