A waste management licence is required by anyone wanting to deposit (i.e. hold or store), recover, or dispose of waste. Licences are issued by the Environment Agency (England & Wales), Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (Scotland) and the Environment and Heritage Service (Northern Ireland).  There are a number of exemptions for low risk waste activities, which are intended to simplify the process for businesses. A full list of exemptions is available on the Environment Agency Website.

• Storing waste at the site where it was produced temporarily while awaiting collection (for example a production, outside broadcast or live event).
• Storage of up to 3 m3 of waste oil intended to be recycled
• Operating a waste compactor on site
• Certain forms of treatment for recycling (baling, shredding etc).

There are a number of exemptions from the requirement to hold a licence, which include: storing waste at the site where it was produced temporarily while awaiting collection (for example a production, outside broadcast or live event): storage of up to 3 m3 of waste oil intended to be recycled, certain forms of treatment for recycling (baling, shredding etc). 

 

The Duty of Care requires waste producers and anyone else with responsibility for waste (waste carrier and waste importer), to take all reasonable steps to keep their waste safe. If they give their waste to someone else, they must be sure that those people are authorised to take it and can transport, recycle or dispose of it safely. Failure to comply with either the licensing requirements or a Duty of Care is an offence.