Guidance for Pollution Prevention (GPP) documents
NetRegs Guidance for Pollution Prevention (GPPs) provide straightforward, practical advice to help businesses prevent pollution and meet environmental responsibilities. They replace the older PPGs and offer up to date good practice guidance across the UK, with regulatory focus for Scotland and Northern Ireland.
We are currently updating this information to ensure it reflects the latest guidance and best practice.
Note for businesses in England and Wales: Those in England and Wales seeking guidance on the topics covered by GPPs, please visit to the GOV.UK website instead. GPPs do not provide current government guidance for England and Wales.
A basic introduction to pollution prevention, covering the main aspects of good environmental practice. Appropriate for all business types it includes signposts to other GPPs that might be useful, and publications from organisations that provide support and guidance to the business community. (June 2021)
GPP 1: Understanding your environmental responsibilities - good environmental practices
Provides information on the regulations that cover above ground oil storage, including fuel storage for vehicles, oil fired heating storage and portable containers. Includes the requirements for secondary containment, pipework, dispensing and filling. This guideline excludes oil refineries and distribution depots. (June 2021)
For identifying the types of site where an oil separator is required, when surface water runoff might be contaminated with oil. Provides details of the size and type of oil separator that is appropriate for different situations. (March 2022)
GPP 3: Use and design of oil separators in surface water drainage systems
If no foul sewer is available for a dwelling, or other building, this guideline provides information on how to select the correct sewage disposal, treatment and disposal system. It also provides information regarding maintenance and the legal requirements of your system. This guideline is also useful by outlining what to have in mind, in terms of wastewater treatment, when buying a house. (June 2021)
GPP 4: Treatment and disposal of wastewater where there is no connection to the public foul sewer
A guideline that provides information for construction firms carrying out construction or maintenance works near, in, or over water. This applies to works that might have contact with streams, rivers or ponds/lochs/loughs/lakes. (February 2018)
Provides information for contractors and sub-contractors on how to prevent pollution on construction and demolition sites.
The document covers legal responsibilities, as well as providing good practice advice, and advice on how to minimise wider impacts on the environment from construction and demolition activities. (April 2023)
A guideline covering the storage and disposing of used oils. It covers the regulations that need to be followed, and provides information on the site requirements and suitable containers. The guidance applies to activities ranging from a single engine oil change to those of large industrial users. (June 2021)
A guidance document that deals with the requirements for washing and cleaning any vehicle using automatic wash systems, high pressure or steam cleaners and washing by hand. It provides information on the type of site, cleaning materials and the drainage requirements that will prevent pollution from these activities. (June 2021)
This guidance document gives good practice guidance for the prevention of pollution, in the event of fire-fighting water or major spillages creating a threat to the environment.
It aims to help you consider what is appropriate for your site and applies to sites of all sizes. (November 2024)
GPP 18: Containing major spillages and firewater at industrial sites
A guidance document for anyone who works in garages and vehicle service centres. Some key information on managing materials and wastes, to prevent pollution and comply with legal requirements. (June 2021)
Information on the steps to be taken to avoid pollution when dewatering underground ducts and inspection chambers. (June 2021)
A guideline for all business types with information that will help businesses produce emergency pollution incident response plans. This will help prevent pollution and damage if you ever need to deal with accidents, spillages or fires. (June 2021)
A guideline that is for anyone who is responsible for storing and transporting materials that could cause pollution if they spill. This applies to liquids such as oil or dairy products, and also to powdered materials such as cement or chemicals, that would cause pollution if they soaked into the ground or entered surface water drains or watercourse. (October 2018)
Guidance for anyone who is managing and operating stables, kennels and catteries. Information on how to manage wastes, materials, and drainage from your site. (V1.1 May 2021)
This guidance is for facilities, sites or establishments (public and private) that provide healthcare and associated services. This includes hospitals, health centres, community healthcare, general practitioner (GP) surgeries, dental services, long-term care facilities, hospices, pharmacies and veterinary practices. ( v1.1 May 2021)
A guidance document for site operators of industrial and commercial premises storing and handling drums and intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) containing oil, chemicals or potentially polluting substances. Legal requirements and good practice for storage facilities. (June 2021)
GPP 26 Safe storage - drums and intermediate bulk containers
For installing, removing and decommissioning all underground storage tanks (USTs), including those containing petroleum, diesel, fuel oil, aviation fuel, waste oil, domestic heating oil and other potentially polluting materials such as organic solvents. (August 2022)
GPP 27 Installation, decommissioning and removal of underground storage tanks
Guidance for small scale breweries and distilleries. This guideline includes information on how to reduce your environmental impacts and prevent pollution from your activities. Suitable for small scale breweries, and small distilleries producing gin, whisky, vodka or any distilled spirit. (March 2019)