Environment & Sustainability UK-wide

Which remediation and waste management rules apply to you

If you carry out land remediation, decontamination or other waste management services you must meet workplace safety duties and comply with the environmental, waste and construction regulations that govern your work. Use this page to find which guides apply to your business.

Guide summary

Follow workplace safety and environmental rules for land remediation or waste management. Set up safe operations and get the right environmental permits. You could face fines and legal action if you do not meet your duties.

  • Protect workers and others from harm, as far as reasonably practicable
  • Employers must protect contractors, visitors and the public
  • Employees must take care of their own and others’ safety
  • Get environmental permits for waste operations
  • Register as a waste carrier if you move waste
  • Follow hazardous waste rules and waste duty of care
  • Comply with CDM construction duties for remediation projects
  • Control asbestos risks before starting work
  • HSE and local authorities enforce these rules
  • Unlimited fines and up to 2 years in prison for serious breaches
On this page

Related guides in Compliance & Legal

Your guides

The rules that apply to a remediation business fall into two areas. Work through both.

  1. 1

    1. Set up and run a safe remediation operation

    Workplace health and safety, employers' liability insurance, equality and data protection duties that apply to every remediation business.

  2. 2

    2. Meet your environmental permits, waste and construction duties

    Environmental permits for waste operations, waste carrier registration, contaminated land regime, asbestos control, CDM construction duties, hazardous waste handling and waste duty of care.

  3. 3

    3. Remediation: compliance checklist

    Confirm your business meets all its obligations in one place.