Waste Legislation 

Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal 1992 This Convention, which came into force in 1992, provides for the control and strict regulation of transboundary shipment of hazardous wastes in order to protect human health and the environment. Annex I of the Convention (which lists wastes to be controlled) includes waste oils, water/hydrocarbon mixes as well as a number of heavy metals, organic compounds, organohalogens and asbestos. The main objectives of the Convention are to a) reduce transboundary movements of hazardous waste; b) to treat and dispose hazardous wastes and other wastes as close as possible to their source of generation; and c) to minimise the generation of hazardous wastes and other waste.
European Agreement Concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) 1957 as amended The European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) was produced in Geneva on 30 September 1957 by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, and it entered into force on 29 January 1968. The Agreement itself has been amended numerous times, with the latest volume of being applicable from 1 January 2015.  The Agreement was introduced to increase the safety of international transport by road of dangerous goods.
MARPOL 73/78 Annex V – Prevention of Pollution by Garbage from Ships Prevention of pollution by garbage from ships (entered into force December 1998). Deals with the different types of garbage and specifies the distances from land and the manner in which they may be disposed of. The Annex also designates Special Areas (including the North Sea) where the disposal of any garbage is prohibited except food wastes. The dumping of plastics at sea is also prohibited by this Annex.
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Decision C(2001)107/FINAL Due to the annual volume and value of recoverable hazardous wastes the OECD is developing a ‘control system’ to promote and enhance environmentally sound management of waste. This work is viewed as necessary to continuously keep up to date and improve the regulatory framework put in place by the OECD on 14 June 2001. The development of a ‘global waste control system’ is ongoing. The OECD Decision creates a streamlined system for regulating movements of hazardous waste for recovery between OECD countries in accordance with the framework established by the Basel Convention. Export of hazardous wastes to non OECD members for disposal or recovery is prohibited. The OECD Decision has been revised since through several amendments. A guidance manual has been developed.

For updated legislation following Brexit, please refer to the pdf document downloadable from the Home & News Page.

Environment Protection Act 1990 (EPA 90) The Environmental Protection Act 1990 is an Act that as of 2008 defines, within England and Wales and Scotland, the fundamental structure and authority for waste management and the control of emissions into the environment. The Act received Royal Assent on 1 November 1990. As of 1996, authorisation and enforcement became the responsibility of the Environment Agency the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency. This Act is divided into 8 parts. The legislation is being updated such that Part 1, which outlines the controls on certain industrial processes and requires that they are authorised under either an Integrated Pollution Control or Atmospheric Pollution Control regime, according to their potential impact on the environment, is being revoked and replaced by the Pollution Prevention and Control Act 1999. In addition Part 2 of the EPA 90 deals specifically with the deposit of waste to land. Sections 33 and 34 contain the provisions most relevant to waste producers, while Section 33 deals with waste storage.
Environment (Wales) Act 2016 Factsheet – Waste The Welsh Government has produced a factsheet, detailing The Environment (Wales) Act 2016 which introduces the new arrangements in relation to waste segregation and collection. Implementation of these the provisions in the Act is expected to be made after January 2017.Further details on the Environment (Wales) Act 2016, which received Royal Assent on 21st March 2016, can be viewed via this link. The Act aims to delivers the Welsh Government’s commitment to introduce new legislation for the environment, positioning Wales as a low carbon, green economy, capable of adapting rapidly to the impacts of climate change.
The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009 as amended The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009 (as amended) apply the ADR UN agreement in Great Britain, applying to England, Wales and Scotland only. The 2009 Regulations came in to force on the 1 July 2009, with the most recent amendment being The Carriage of Dangerous Goods (Amendment) Regulations 2019 which lay down basic safety standards for protection against the dangers arising from exposure to ionising radiation
The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2010 (Northern Ireland) as amended The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2010 (Northern Ireland) as amended, apply the ADR UN agreement in Northern Ireland only. The 2010 Regulations came in to force on the 19 May 2010, with an amendment to the Regulation taking place in 2011, which came in to force on the 11 November 2011. These were amended most recently by The Carriage of Dangerous Goods (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2019 to implement the necessary safety standards to protect against dangers arising from exposure to ionizing radiation. This amendment came into force on 18 June 2019.
The Controlled Waste and Duty of Care Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013 These Regulations came into force on the 30 November 2013. These Regulations revoke and replace the Controlled Waste Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2002. The 2013 Regulations classify waste as household waste, commercial waste or industrial waste for the purposes of Part 2 of the Waste and Contaminated Land (Northern Ireland) Order 1997 and thus determining the meaning of ‘controlled waste’.
The Controlled Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2012 (as amended) These regulations define “Controlled Waste” for the purposes of EPA 90. Three categories of controlled waste are defined, i.e. household, industrial and commercial. Definition of Controlled Waste has been amended (see below) by the EU Framework Directive on Waste. All Special Waste/Hazardous Waste is Controlled Waste (see Waste Classification). The main exemptions to Controlled Waste are explosive and radioactive wastes. These Regulations entered into force on 6 April 2012.
The Controlled Waste (Registration of Carriers and Seizure of Vehicles) Regulations 1991 These Regulations may be cited as the Controlled Waste (Registration of Carriers and Seizures of Vehicles) Regulations 1991 and came into force on 14 October 1991.
The Controlled Waste Regulations 1992 (as amended) These regulations define “Controlled Waste” for the purposes of EPA 90 and entered into force on which came into force on 1 June 1992. Three categories of controlled waste are defined, i.e. household, industrial and commercial. Definition of Controlled Waste has been amended by the EU Framework Directive on Waste. All Special Waste/Hazardous Waste is Controlled Waste. The main exemptions to Controlled Waste are explosive and radioactive wastes. These Regulations currently apply to Scotland only, with the latest amendment coming into force on the 1 April 1993.
The Control of Pollution (Amendment) Act 1989 (as amended) Control of Pollution (Amendment) Act 1989 (from July 1989), is the principal legislation which requires all carriers of controlled waste to be registered, making it a criminal offence for a person who is not a registered carrier to transport controlled waste to or from any place in Great Britain. SEPA/EA are required to establish and maintain a public register of carriers. Carriers are exempt from registration if they are carrying waste they have produced themselves, unless it is building or demolition waste. The Act was fully entered into force on fully in force on 1 April 1992.
The Environmental Protection Act 1990 Amendment (Scotland) Regulations 2019 These Regulations came into force on 23 October 2019 and apply to Scotland only. They amend the Environmental Protection Act 1990 in order to extend existing powers to require holders of waste management licenses to accept, keep and dispose of waste to waste operators holding other types of environmental permit.
The Environmental Protection (Prescribed Processes and Substances) (Amendment) (Hazardous Waste Incineration) Regulations 1998 These Regulations require the operator of the landfill site to inspect the waste on receipt and satisfy himself that the waste conforms to the description provided in the transfer documentation. If waste does not conform to the description, the waste consignment will be refused. The waste description must conform to the European Waste Catalogue definitions. These Regulations entered into force on 13 April 1998.
The Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2009 These Regulations amend the Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2005 which entered into force on 16 July 2005. The 2005 Regulations imposed procedures for Special Waste/Hazardous Waste that add to those already under the Duty of Care, including requirements for transportation and disposal within a strict documented framework (see Transfer of Special / Hazardous Waste). The Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2009 affect handlers of hazardous waste in England and Wales. The Regulations require hazardous waste producers to notify the Environment Agency before hazardous wastes can be removed from the premises. Certain low risk premises are exempted from the Regulations as long as they produce less than a specified amount of hazardous waste per annum. The qualifying limitation has risen from 200kg to 500kg. See also ‘Explanatory Note’. These Regulations entered into force on 6 April 2009.
The Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2016 Cited as the Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2016, these Regulations entered into force on the 1 April 2016, and amend the Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) Regulations SI 2005/894, revoking the requirement that premises where hazardous waste is either produced or removed, must notify the Environment Agency.
The Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2005 These Regulations impose procedures for Special Waste/Hazardous Waste that add to those already under the Duty of Care, including requirements for transportation and disposal within a strict documented framework (see Transfer of Special / Hazardous Waste). These Regulations were fully implemented and entered into force on 16 July 2005.
The Hazardous Waste (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2019 These regulations amend Hazardous Waste (Wales) Regulations 2005 to replace Schedule 8 (Hazardous Waste Producer Returns Form) to ensure that this is consistent with Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 . This came into force on 13 August 2019 and applies to Wales only.
The International Waste Shipments (Amendment of Regulation (EC) No 1013/2006) Regulations 2020 These regulations came into force on 1 January 2021 and amend the Retained EU Regulation 1013/2006 on shipments of waste to apply changes to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal. They introduce and remove different codes and references for hazardous plastic wastes.
The International Waste Shipments (Amendment of Regulation (EC) No. 1013/2006 and 1418/2007) Regulations 2021 These regulations came into force in July 2021 and amend Retained EU Regulation 1418/2007 on the export for recovery of certain waste listed in Regulation (EC) 1013/2006 by seeing export control procedures for the new non-hazardous plastic waste category “B3011” and remove references to the waste class B3010 which is no longer used. These regulations amend Retained EU Regulations 1013/2006 and 1418/2007 to set out export control procedures of non-hazardous and plastic substances which were recently classified as B3011.
The Persistent Organic Pollutants Regulations 2007 POP Regulations are implemented under the global treaty – the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. The regulations came into force in December 2007 and enforce provisions relating to disposal of stockpiles and waste management of pollutants such as pesticides and industrial chemicals; typically DDT/PCBs which persist in the environment and may bioaccumulate through the food chain.
The Special Waste Amendment (Scotland) Regulations 2004 These Regulations now only apply in Scotland, and entered into force on 1 July 2004. These Regulations impose procedures for Special Waste that add to those already under the Duty of Care, including requirements for transportation and disposal within a strict documented framework. The Regulations provide a new definition of Special Waste in accordance with the EC Hazardous Waste Directive (91/689/EEC). The Hazardous Waste List has been expanded and refined and is now included in the European Waste Catalogue.
The Merchant Shipping and Fishing Vessels (Port Waste Reception Facilities) (Amendment) Regulations 2009 These Regulations, which entered into force on 16 May 2009, amend the Merchant Shipping and Fishing Vessels (Port Waste Reception Facilities) Regulations 2003 to include the requirement of the master of a ship to notify the harbour authority where he intends to deliver sewage, which has been generated on board ship, to waste reception facilities in port.
The Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Pollution by Garbage from Ships) Regulations 2020 These regulations came into force in July 2020 and apply the restrictions on the discharge of garbage into the sea imposed by Annex V to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships 1973. These restrictions include prohibiting the discharge of garbage into the sea with the exception of certain circumstances (e.g. accidental loss and where discharge is necessary for safety reasons or for the protection of marine environment). It also imposes other provisions relating to the management of garbage and ships.
The Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Pollution by Sewage from Ships) Regulations 2020 These regulations came into force in July 2020 and apply the restrictions on the prevention of pollution by sewage from ships, including sewage treatment on ships and discharge of sewage. Under these regulations, discharge of sewage from ships is prohibited unless under certain circumstances, as specified within the regulations. These regulations were amended by The Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution and Prevention of Pollution by Sewage from Ships) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 to implement amendments adopted by International Maritime Organization (IMO) Resolution MEPC 330(76) which revise Annex I (Prevention of pollution by oil) and Annex IV (Prevention of pollution by sewage from ships). The amendment includes the exemption of unmanned non-self propelled barges from survey and certification requirements and requiring a specified exemption to be issued in each case. This applies to all UK vessels well as non-UK vessels in UK waters.
The Pollution Prevention and Control (Industrial Emissions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013 These Regulations implement Directive 2010/75/EU on industrial emissions. The 2013 Regulations came into force on 20 June 2013 and apply to Northern Ireland only. These Regulations provide a consolidated system of environmental permitting for Northern Ireland, and extend the range of activities that require an environmental permit, including Mercury waste.
The Pollution Prevention and Control (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2014 The 2014 amendment is a update to the Pollution Prevention and Control (Scotland) Regulations 2012. The 2012 Regulations came into force on 7 January 2013, with the 2014 amendment coming into force on 30 October 2014, both applying to Scotland only. These Regulations provide a consolidated system of environmental permitting for Scotland, and extend the range of activities that require an environmental permit, including Mercury waste.
The Pollution Prevention and Control (Scotland) Regulations 2012 Establishes mechanisms to control pollution from any installation carrying out specified activities through permits, inspections and emission control. Covers the inclusion of best available techniques (BAT) and standard rules in permits. These regulations revoke previous PPC legislation and came into effect on the 7 January 2013.
The Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2012 (as amended) The Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS) Regulations 2012 affect businesses and individuals that are involved with electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). This includes manufacturers, importers and distributors. The regulations came into force on the 2 January 2013 and are enforced throughout the UK (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland). These regulations were amended by The Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (Amendment) Regulations 2021 to correct errors. The Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (Exemptions) (Fees) Regulations 2022 outline the procedure for the use of restricted substances in electrical and electronic equipment via an application for an exemption to be granted by the Secretary of State.
The Special Waste Regulations 1996 as amended These Regulations, which entered into force on 1 September 1996, now only apply in Scotland. These Regulations impose procedures for Special Waste that add to those already under the Duty of Care, including requirements for transportation and disposal within a strict documented framework. The Regulations provide a new definition of Special Waste in accordance with the EC Hazardous Waste Directive (91/689/EEC). The Hazardous Waste List has been expanded and refined and is now included in the European Waste Catalogue. A number of amendments have been made to the 1996 Regulations since in was introduced, the latest amendment came into force on the 11 March 2004.
The Transfrontier Shipment of Radioactive Waste and Spent Fuel Regulations 2008 These Regulations, which came into force on 25 December 2008, revoke and replace the Transfrontier Shipment of Radioactive Waste Regulations 1993. The Regulations extend the scope of the 1993 Regulations to include spent nuclear fuel for re-processing as well as shipments of radioactive waste.
The Transfrontier Shipment of Waste (Amendment) Regulations 2014 These Regulations, which entered into force on 1 May 2014, amend the Transfrontier Shipment of Waste Regulations 2007 on shipments of waste. The Regulations redefine the competent authorities and transfer certain competent authority responsibilities from the Secretary of State to the Environment Agency, Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Department of the Environment in Northern Ireland and from the Secretary of State and Environment Agency to the Natural Resources Body for Wales.
The Transfrontier Shipment of Waste Regulations 2007

These Regulations, which entered into force on 12 July 2007, tighten the regime for export of waste. Requires the UK to implement a waste management plan for addressing the despatch of waste from the UK. It creates an offence for shipping waste in breach of the requirements; all shipments must be managed in an ‘environmentally sound manner’ and without endangering human health.

The UK plan for shipments of waste was prepared to meet the requirement of Regulation 11A of the Transfrontier Shipments of Waste Regulations 2007 (as amended). Any shipment of waste should be in compliance with the relevant regulations, including the Transfrontier Shipments of Waste Regulations 2007 (as amended), as well as the UK plan for shipments of waste.

The Transfrontier Shipment of Waste (Amendment) Regulations 2008 Addresses prohibitions applying to export of certain wastes destined for recovery in non-OECD countries. These Regulations entered into force on 5 February 2008.
The Waste Batteries and Accumulators Regulations 2009 The EU’s Directive on Batteries and Accumulators and Waste Batteries and Accumulators (2006/66/EC) aims to reduce the environmental impact of portable, automotive and industrial batteries by increasing recycling and ‘greening’ the supply chain that produces and distributes them. It applies to all types of batteries regardless of shape, volume, weight, material composition or use. The Waste Batteries and Accumulators Regulations 2009 came into force on 5 May 2009 which establish the legislative framework for the collection, treatment and recycling of waste batteries and accumulators in the UK. A key element requires persons placing batteries on the market to register as a producer of batteries, and report on waste batteries collected and sent for recycling. These regulations establish the scope of ‘producer responsibility’, requiring producers of batteries and accumulators to take responsibility for separately collecting and recycling batteries and accumulators once they become waste.
The Waste Batteries and Accumulators (Amendment) Regulations 2015 Landfill (England and Wales) Regulations 2002 as amended Laid before Parliament on the 26th November 2015, these Regulations came into force on 1 January 2016 and apply to England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Regulations amend the Waste Batteries and Accumulators Regulations SI 2009/890, reducing the regulatory burdens on businesses and allow for an increased focus on the key aims of the Regulations in delivering key environmental benefits.
The Waste Batteries (Scotland) Regulations 2009 Regulations covering collecting, recycling and reprocessing portable batteries come into force on 1 February 2010. Business using portable batteries should check with their supplier if they are operating a take back scheme (unless they sell less than 32kg of batteries per year). Regulations banning the disposal of waste industrial batteries to landfill or by incineration come into force on 1 January 2010. From 1 January 2010 if you buy new industrial batteries, the battery producer will take back your waste batteries. The over-arching Battery Directive aims to improve the environmental performance of those involved in the life cycle of batteries, e.g. producer, distributors, end-users and waste operators. The regulations aim to protect the environment from hazardous compounds found in industrial and automotive batteries. It prohibits the disposal of untreated industrial and automotive batteries to landfill or by incineration. Operators are required to store batteries only on an impermeable surface and under weatherproof covering. Requirements for handling batteries will also see amendments to existing licenses granted under the Waste Licensing Regulations 1994 and existing permits granted under the Pollution Prevention and Control (Scotland) Regulations 2000.
The most recent amendment to these regulations was The Waste (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Scotland) Regulations 2019. This made minor changes to the legislation by removing any reference to The Waste Licensing Regulations 1994, which was recently revoked.
The Waste (Circular Economy) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 These Regulations came into force on 1 October 2020 and apply to England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The devolved Governments in Scotland and Northern Ireland will be introducing separate legislation to implement the CEP in those countries. These Circular Economy Package amendments are designed to align with other existing strategies, such as the 25 Year Environment Plan, the Clean Growth Strategy and specific circular economy and waste strategies and policies developed in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (Amendment) Regulations 2015 Laid before Parliament on the 1st December 2015, these Regulations came into force on the 25th December 2015 and apply to England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2013 as amended

These regulations covering waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) update previous regulations to ensure compliance with the recast WEEE Directive 2012/19/EU and revoke the following regulations:

  • The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2006;
  • The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (Amendment) Regulations 2007;
  • The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (Amendment) Regulations 2009;
  • The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations 2009; and
  • The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (Amendment) Regulations 2010.

The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2013 came into force on the 1 January 2014. These regulations came fully into force in January 2019.

The Waste (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2014 The 2014 Regulations came into force on the 6 April 2014. The regulations make provisions for the recording of the transfer of controlled waste on alternative documentation, such as invoices, instead of waste transfer notes. It also makes other amendments relevant to the registration of waste carriers, brokers and dealers.
The Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011 (as amended) The Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011 (as amended) transpose Directive 2008/98/EC into national legislation and places a greater emphasis on preventing, re-using and recycling waste. The Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011 replaced the Environmental Protection (Duty of Care) Regulations 1991 and apply the Duty of Care requirements brought in by the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
The Waste Information (Scotland) Regulations 2010 The Waste Information (Scotland) Regulations 2010 came into force on the 10 January 2011, in Scotland only. These Regulations require persons having control or management of undertakings to comply with any request made to them by SEPA for information relating to waste associated with that undertaking and which falls within the categories set out in the regulation.
The Waste Management Licencing (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2016 Cited as the Waste Management Licensing (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2016, these Regulations entered into force on the 30 March 2016 and make amendments to the Waste Management Licensing (Scotland) Regulations 2011 in the disposal of specific waste types (i.e. vehicle tyres).
The Waste Management Licensing (Scotland) Regulations 2011 These Regulations came into forced on 27 March 2011 and consolidate the waste management licensing and exemption system currently contained in the Waste Management Licensing Regulations 1994 as amended. They also make certain changes to that system (including the introduction of new exemptions from the requirement for licensing and the adjustment of various existing exemptions) and contain provision for the purpose of implementing Directive 2008/98/EC on waste.
The Waste Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2019

These regulations will come into force on 16 January 2020 and apply to Northern Ireland only. These regulations amend various regulations to implement the Waste Framework Directive. These regulations amend the following:

The Waste Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011 These regulations transpose Directive 2008/98/EC on waste into Northern Irish law. This regulation aims to reduce waste and includes provisions for waste prevention programmes and amend various pieces of legislation to fulfil Directive 2008/98/EC objectives.
The Waste Management Licensing (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2003 as amended The Waste Management Licensing (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2003 came into force on the 19 December 2003 implementing Directive 2008/98/EC on waste in Northern Ireland only. The 2003 Regulations have since been amended in 2011, which came into force on the 30 December 2011. The regulations cover applications for waste management licences, which authorise the deposit, disposal and treatment of controlled waste.
The Waste Management Licensing (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2016 Laid before the Scottish Parliament on 25th January 2016, these regulations enter into force on 30th May 2016
The Waste (Meaning of Hazardous Waste and European Waste Catalogue) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Scotland) Regulations 2015 These Regulations came into force on the 8 June 2015 and apply to Scotland only. They amend various pieces of legislation, replacing the definitions of “European Waste Catalogue” and “Waste Framework Directive” and implementing amendments to EU legislation.
The Waste (Scotland) Regulations 2011 The 2011 Scotland Regulations make a number of amendments to a variety of Scottish waste legislation to transpose aspects of Directive 2008/98/EC on waste into Scottish law. These Regulations may be cited as the Waste (Scotland) Regulations 2011 and came into force on 27 March 2011. The Regulations allows the partial suspension, revocation, transfer and surrender of site licences, and allows licences held by the same person to be consolidated if they cover the same site or more than one mobile plant.
The Waste (Scotland) Regulations 2012 The 2012 Regulations may be cited as the Waste (Scotland) Regulations 2012, and came into force on 17 May 2012. These Regulations provide for the collection, transport and treatment of dry recyclable waste and food waste, and for related matters. They implement re-use and recycling and bio-waste sections from Directive 2008/98/EC on waste , and generally make provision connected with the implementation of requirements under European Union waste management legislation.
Waste and Emissions Trading Act 2003 This Act provides for the enforceability of penalties, including fixed financial penalties, in the current voluntary UK Emissions Trading Scheme 2002. Part 2 of the Waste and Emissions Trading Act 2003 amends Schedule 1 to the Pollution Prevention and Control Act 1999. The amendment provides for penalties in any future emissions trading schemes. The Waste and Emissions Trading Act was granted Royal Assent on 13 November 2003.
The Waste (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Scotland) Regulations 2020

These regulations came into force on 4 December 2020 and apply in Scotland only. They make various amendments to legislation in accordance with Directive including:

  • Adding a requirement for the National Waste Management Plan for Scotland to include a statement of policies on waste prevention;
  • Amendments to the operations of landfills; and
  • Amendments to waste management licensing and pollution prevention control to take into account good practices when collecting waste oils and removing redundant provisions.
The Waste (Wale) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2020 These regulations apply in Wales only and update several pieces of Welsh waste legislation, including the Hazardous Waste (Wales) Regulations SI 2005/2806 to change references to European waste legislation and update definitions.
Waste Minimisation Act 1998 This enables local authorities to arrange for waste minimisation in their areas and can be cited as the Waste Minimisation Act 1998 from 19 November 1998. This Act does not extend to Northern Ireland.