UK Act of Parliament 1990 United Kingdom

Environmental Protection Act 1990

What this means for your business

50 obligations
45 penalties
12 can imprison
29 guides
Enforced by
Environment Agency, DEFRA, NRW
Applies to
United Kingdom
On this page
50 compliance obligations, 29 practical guides across 3 topics
Read full text on legislation.gov.uk

What you must do

50 compliance obligations under this legislation — 12 can result in imprisonment.

Risk assessment 2

Carry out environmental risk assessment and notify the Secretary of State before dealing with GMOs

5 years imprisonment

If your business plans to import, acquire, release, market or keep a genetically modified organism, you must first assess any risk of environmental damage. You also have to give the Secretary of State a notice (with any prescribed information) before you carry out the activity and keep a record of the assessment for the period set by regulations.

Any Person s.108 NRW When you intend to import, acquire, release, market or keep a genetically …

Prepare written assessment for multi‑stream recyclable waste collection

If your business collects waste and the contract lets you collect recyclable household or other recyclable waste in two or more separate streams by relying on sections 45A, 45AZA or 45AZB, you must produce a written assessment explaining why those sections apply to your arrangement. Keep this assessment as evidence for the Environment Agency.

Any Person s.45AZD NRW When you collect recyclable waste in two or more streams under sections …

Management duties 8

Be a fit and proper person for a waste management licence

If you want to obtain or keep a waste management licence, you must show the Environment Agency that you (and any linked people) have no relevant convictions, that a technically competent person runs the licensed activities, and that you have enough money to meet all licence duties. Failing any of these checks means you will be refused a licence or have it revoked.

Trader/Business s.74 NRW When applying for, or holding, a waste management licence

Comply with waste licence conditions and regulator notices

Unlimited fine

If you hold a waste‑handling licence you must keep the activity within the licence limits, prevent pollution and follow any conditions set. If the Environment Agency (or the relevant waste regulator) serves you a notice, you must take the steps it sets out within the time given and pay for any emergency work they carry out. Failure can lead to the licence being revoked or suspended and may result in prosecution.

Trader/Business s.42 NRW When you hold a waste licence

Comply with waste management licence conditions

Unlimited fine

If you treat, keep or dispose of controlled waste on land or with a mobile plant, you must have a waste management licence and follow every condition it sets – carry out any required works, keep accurate records of compliance and never falsify licence entries. Breaching these duties can lead to unlimited fines and up to two years’ imprisonment.

Occupier s.35 NRW Holding a waste management licence for waste treatment, keeping or disposal

Keep your land clear of litter and refuse

If you occupy land that lies within a litter‑control area set by the local authority, you must make sure the land is kept clean of rubbish and litter as far as practicable. This means regular tidy‑up, waste collection and taking steps to prevent litter from building up on your premises.

Occupier s.89 NRW Your land is within a litter‑control area designated by the local authority

Obtain consent and manage genetically modified organisms (GMOs)

Unlimited fine

If your business imports, acquires, keeps, releases or markets genetically modified organisms, you must first get a consent from the Secretary of State (or jointly with the Food Standards Agency/Scotland) and follow any conditions attached. You must stop keeping GMOs when the prescribed period ends or when you are directed to do so, dispose of them safely, give any required notices, provide further information if asked, and immediately tell the Secretary of State of any new risk information.

Any Person s.111 NRW When you import, acquire, keep, release or market GMOs, or when you …

Operate authorised processes using best‑available techniques and meet authorisation conditions

Unlimited fine

If your business runs a process that needs an environmental authorisation, you must follow the specific conditions attached to that authorisation. This includes using the best available techniques that are not excessively costly to prevent or minimise releases of prescribed substances, staying within any limits on substances, and notifying the regulator before you change how the process is carried out.

Occupier s.7 NRW when you hold an authorisation for a prescribed environmental process

Prevent damage caused by waste you deposit

If your business deposits waste on land you must make sure it does not cause damage to people, property or the environment. You will be liable for any damage unless it was wholly the fault of the person who suffered it or they voluntarily accepted the risk. In practice this means using appropriate waste‑handling procedures and keeping records of how waste is disposed of.

Any Person s.73 NRW When you deposit waste on land or cause it to be deposited

Take reasonable steps to manage controlled waste safely

Unlimited fine

If your business imports, produces, carries, stores, treats, disposes of or otherwise controls controlled waste (or extractive waste), you must put in place reasonable measures to stop waste escaping and to make sure any transfer is only to an authorised person or carrier. When you hand the waste over you must give a clear written description so the next handler can also meet the duty of care.

Any Person s.34 NRW When you handle, store, treat, transport or dispose of controlled waste or …

Notifications 2

Apply to surrender a site licence and provide required information

If you hold a waste‑site licence and want to give it up – either for the whole site or part of it – you must submit a formal application to the Environment Agency (or the relevant authority). The application must use the authority’s form, include all the information and evidence they ask for, and you must pay the prescribed charge. The authority will inspect the land and may ask for more details before deciding whether to accept your surrender.

Occupier s.39 NRW When you wish to surrender a site licence (whole or part)

Notify the Environment Agency of a transferred authorisation

2 years imprisonment

If you take over an environmental authorisation (e.g., a permit to run a prescribed process) from another business, you must tell the Environment Agency in writing within 21 days of the hand‑over. This keeps the regulator aware of who is responsible for the activity.

Any Person s.9 NRW when you receive a transferred environmental authorisation

Other requirements 3

Do not disturb waste without consent

Fine up to £2,500

You must not sort, move, or otherwise tamper with waste that has been placed in a public or private waste site or bin unless you have the appropriate consent from the authority or owner. This covers any waste deposited by a waste collection authority, a waste disposal licence holder, a parish council, or any other authorised person, as well as waste placed on a highway for emptying. Breaching this rule can lead to a fine.

Any Person s.60 NRW When handling, sorting, moving or otherwise disturbing waste deposited at a waste …

Do not obstruct authorised entry or disclose trade secrets

6 months imprisonment

If an environmental officer (or other person authorised by a local authority) comes to inspect your premises for a statutory nuisance, you must let them in after the required notice and must not block, hinder or force them out. You also must keep any confidential information you learn during that inspection (such as trade secrets) secret unless you are authorised to disclose it. Failing to do either can lead to a criminal fine.

Any Person Schedule 3 NRW When an authorised local‑authority officer seeks entry to your premises under the …

Grant entry rights for remediation and claim compensation

If a remediation notice is served on land you own or occupy, you must allow the appointed party to carry out the clean‑up works, even if you would not normally have that right. You can later apply for compensation for any loss you suffer because of those rights.

Occupier s.78G NRW A remediation notice is served requiring you to permit remediation work on …

Payments and fees 2

Pay costs and fees for seized stray dogs and claim within 7 days

If a dog you own is taken by the local authority as a stray, you must pay any costs incurred for its detention and any prescribed fee. You also have to collect the dog within seven clear days of the written notice, otherwise the authority can dispose of the dog.

Any Person s.149 NRW When a dog you own is seized as a stray under the …

Pay reasonable charge for waste collection you request

If your business asks the local waste collection authority to pick up commercial, industrial or any other non‑household waste, you must pay the reasonable fee for its collection and disposal. The authority will invoice you and you are required to settle that charge.

Any Person s.45 NRW When you request collection of waste that is not household waste (e.g., …

Offences and prohibitions 32

Breach special waste regulations

2 years imprisonment

If you fail to follow any of the regulations that the Secretary of State may make for handling "special waste" – for example keeping records, limiting storage quantities, notifying the authority or following directions – you commit a criminal offence. On conviction you face an unlimited fine and, if tried in the Crown Court, up to two years’ imprisonment (or both).

Any Person s.62 NRW

Cause another person to commit an EPA offence

2 years imprisonment

If an offence under Parts I, II, IV or VI of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 happens because of something you did or failed to do, you can be prosecuted even if the person who actually committed the breach is not charged. This secondary liability means businesses must ensure their actions do not enable pollution, waste‑handling breaches, or other environmental offences by others. Conviction carries the same penalties as the original offence (typically an unlimited fine and possible imprisonment).

Any Person s.158 NRW

Corporate offence liability for directors and officers

6 months imprisonment

If your company breaches any environmental duty in the Environmental Protection Act and the breach is shown to have been with the consent, connivance or neglect of a director, manager, secretary or similar officer (or a member acting as a director), that individual can be prosecuted alongside the company. Both the company and the responsible officer may face the same penalties that apply to the underlying environmental offence.

Director/Officer s.157 NRW

Deposit non‑controlled waste that would be special waste

2 years imprisonment

If you (or your business) deposit waste that is not classed as controlled waste but would be a special waste if it were controlled, you are guilty of the same offence as if it were special waste, unless you have a valid consent, licence, approval or authority. A conviction brings the penalties that apply to special waste offences, which can include an unlimited fine and imprisonment.

Any Person s.63 NRW

Discharge food waste into public sewer

Unlimited fine

If you occupy premises in Wales (e.g. a factory, restaurant or office) and you put food waste into a public sewer, or allow anyone else to do so, you are breaking the law unless the premises are a domestic dwelling or caravan. Conviction can be on summary or indictment, and you face an unlimited fine.

Occupier s.34D NRW

Distribute free printed matter on designated land without consent

Fine up to £2,500

If you give away flyers, leaflets or any other free printed material on land that has been designated by the local litter authority – and you do so without that authority’s consent – you commit an offence. This also applies if you cause someone else to do it. The offence is punishable by a fine of up to £2,500, tried in the magistrates’ court.

Any Person Schedule 3A NRW

Fail to assist or give false information to officers searching vehicles

Unlimited fine

If an authorised officer or police constable stops, searches or seizes a vehicle because they suspect a waste‑related offence, you must give them any assistance or information they reasonably request. It is an offence to refuse to help, to obstruct them, or to provide false or misleading details. Conviction results in an unlimited fine, tried in the Magistrates' Court.

Any Person s.34B NRW

Fail to comply with a litter abatement notice

Fine up to £2,500

If a litter authority serves you with a notice requiring you to clear litter from, or prevent litter on, land you occupy, own or manage, and you do not comply (or you breach the notice) without a reasonable excuse, you commit a criminal offence. On conviction in the magistrates’ court you can be fined up to £2,500, plus a daily fine of 1/20th of that amount for each day the breach continues after conviction.

Any Person s.92 NRW

Fail to comply with a litter abatement order

Fine up to £2,500

If a court orders you to clear litter or clean a highway and you do not do it without a reasonable excuse, you commit a criminal offence. On summary conviction you can be fined up to £2,500 (level 4) and, for each day the offence continues after conviction, an additional daily fine of one‑twentieth of that amount (£125).

Any Person s.91 NRW

Fail to comply with an abatement notice for a statutory nuisance

Unlimited fine

If a local authority serves you with an abatement notice requiring you to stop or limit a statutory nuisance (e.g., noise, odour, smoke) and you do not comply without a reasonable excuse, you commit a criminal offence. On conviction in the magistrates’ court you face an unlimited fine and a daily default fine for each day the breach continues.

Occupier s.80 NRW

Fail to comply with an EPA compliance notice

Unlimited fine

If the Environment Agency serves you with a compliance notice telling you to fix a waste‑collection failure, you must follow the steps and deadline it sets. Ignoring or breaching that notice is a criminal offence. On conviction you face an unlimited fine and the case can be tried in either a magistrates’ court or the Crown Court.

Any Person s.45AZF NRW

Fail to comply with a remediation notice

Unlimited fine

If an environmental authority serves you with a remediation notice to fix contaminated land and you do not comply – without a reasonable excuse – you commit a criminal offence. On summary conviction you face an unlimited fine and an additional daily fine for each day the breach continues after conviction. The offence is tried in a Magistrates’ Court and the authority can also take High Court action to force compliance.

Any Person s.78M NRW

Fail to comply with a statutory nuisance abatement order

Unlimited fine

If you (as the owner, occupier or other responsible party) are served with a court order to stop or prevent a statutory nuisance – for example noise, odour, smoke or pollution – and you do not carry out the required works or keep the nuisance under control, you commit a criminal offence. On conviction in the magistrates' court you face an unlimited fine and an additional daily fine for each day the breach continues.

Any Person s.82 NRW

Fail to comply with a street litter compliance order

Fine up to £2,500

If a local authority serves you with a street‑litter control notice and then obtains a court order requiring you to clear litter or take other actions, you must comply. Failing to do so without a reasonable excuse is a criminal offence. On summary conviction you face a fine of up to £2,500, but no imprisonment.

Any Person s.94 NRW

Fail to comply with a waste direction from the Secretary of State

Unlimited fine

If the Secretary of State (or the appropriate Minister) serves you a written direction telling you to accept, treat, dispose of or deliver waste and you do not follow it without a reasonable excuse, you commit a criminal offence. A conviction in the magistrates' court carries an unlimited fine.

Any Person s.57 NRW

Fail to comply with waste receptacle requirements

Fine up to £1,000

If you occupy premises (for example, a business or residential property) and a local authority in Scotland or Wales serves you a notice requiring you to provide or use specific waste bins, you must follow those requirements. Failing to do so without a reasonable excuse is a criminal offence. On conviction in the magistrates' court you face a fine of up to £1,000.

Occupier s.46 NRW

Fail to comply with waste removal notice

Unlimited fine

If waste is illegally dumped on land you occupy and the local authority serves you with a notice requiring you to remove it (or take remedial steps) within at least 21 days, you must obey it. Failing to do so without a reasonable excuse is a criminal offence. On summary conviction you face an unlimited fine and a daily default fine for each day the breach continues.

Occupier s.59 NRW

Fail to deliver stray dog to local authority

Fine up to £500

If you find a stray dog you must either return it to its owner or hand it over to the local authority officer right away, and you must keep the dog for at least one month if you keep it. Failing to do either of these things is a criminal offence. On conviction in the magistrates’ court you face a fine of up to £500.

Any Person s.150 NRW

Fail to follow waste separation requirements

Unlimited fine

If you collect, receive, keep, treat, transport or present controlled waste in Wales and do not separate it as required by the Welsh Ministers' regulations (and you have no reasonable excuse), you are committing an offence. On conviction you will be fined – the court can try the case either in the Magistrates’ Court or the Crown Court.

Any Person s.45AA NRW

Fail to give name, address or DOB when required for fixed penalty notice

Fine up to £1,000

If a constable or authorised officer asks you for your name, address and date of birth because they intend to issue a fixed‑penalty notice for a household‑waste transfer breach, you must provide the details. Refusing or giving false information is an offence and can lead to a summary‑court fine of up to £1,000.

Occupier s.34ZC NRW

Fail to give name or address to a litter officer

Fine up to £1,000

If a litter officer asks you for your name and address and you either refuse to provide them or give false information, you commit a criminal offence. The offence is dealt with in the magistrates' court and carries a fine of up to £1,000. No custodial sentence is provided for this breach.

Any Person s.88 NRW

Fail to give name or address when required by a fixed‑penalty notice

Fine up to £1,000

If a waste authority serves you with a fixed‑penalty notice for failing to meet your household waste transfer duties and you refuse or give a false name or address when asked, you commit a criminal offence. On summary conviction you can be fined up to £1,000. No jail term is attached to this particular offence.

Any Person s.34ZA NRW

Fail to give name or address when required by authorised officer

Fine up to £1,000

If an authorised officer of a Welsh waste collection authority asks you for your name and address in relation to a waste‑deposit fixed‑penalty notice and you refuse, give a false answer or provide inaccurate details, you commit an offence. A conviction in the magistrates’ court can result in a fine of up to £1,000 (level 3 on the standard scale).

Any Person s.33ZB NRW

Fail to give name or address when required (or give false details)

Fine up to £1,000

If an authorised officer of an English waste collection authority asks you for your name and address in relation to a waste deposit offence, you must provide accurate details. Failing to give a name or address, or providing false or inaccurate information, is a criminal offence. On summary conviction you face a fine of up to £1,000, but no imprisonment.

Any Person s.33ZA NRW

Fail to give or give false name/address/DOB when issued a fixed penalty notice

Fine up to £1,000

If a waste collection authority officer asks you (as the occupier of a domestic property) for your name, address and date of birth before handing you a fixed‑penalty notice, you must provide accurate details. Failing to supply them or providing false information is a criminal offence. On summary conviction you can be fined up to £1,000.

Occupier s.46ZD NRW

Fail to provide information when required by waste authority

2 years imprisonment

If a waste regulation authority or waste collection authority serves you with a written notice demanding information about waste, you must give that information in the form and within the time specified. Failing to do so without a reasonable excuse is a criminal offence. On conviction you face an unlimited fine and, on indictment, up to two years’ imprisonment (or both).

Any Person s.71 NRW

Fail to provide required waste receptacles

Fine up to £1,000

If a waste collection authority tells you to put specific containers for commercial or industrial waste on your premises and you do not do so (without a reasonable excuse), you commit a criminal offence. On conviction in the magistrates' court you face a fine of up to £1,000. No jail term is attached to this offence.

Any Person s.47 NRW

Leave litter in open public areas

Fine up to £2,500

If you or anyone acting for your business throws, drops or otherwise deposits litter in any open‑air place that falls under the local litter authority and then leaves it, you commit an offence. On conviction in the magistrates' court you face a fine of up to £2,500. No prison term is provided for this offence.

Any Person s.87 NRW

Make false or misleading statements to obtain or alter a licence

2 years imprisonment

If you knowingly give a false or misleading statement when applying for a licence, seeking to change licence conditions, surrendering a licence, or transferring a licence, you commit a criminal offence. It also is an offence to deliberately make a false entry in any licence‑required record. Conviction can result in an unlimited fine and up to two years’ imprisonment, and the case can be tried in either the magistrates' court or the Crown Court.

Any Person s.44 NRW

Obstruct inspection of waste scheme accounts

Fine up to £1,000

If you are the person who controls the separate account kept for a waste‑reduction scheme and you deliberately stop anyone from looking at or copying that account, you are committing an offence. On summary conviction you face a fine of up to £1,000. No prison term is attached to this offence.

Any Person Schedule 2AA NRW

Tamper with a fixed noise abatement notice

Fine up to £1,000

If you remove, damage or otherwise interfere with a notice that a local authority has fixed to a vehicle, machinery or equipment to stop street noise, you are committing an offence unless you are the person responsible for that item or have their authority. Conviction in the magistrates' court carries a fine of up to £1,000. The offence does not carry a prison term.

Any Person s.80A NRW

Unauthorised waste deposit, treatment or disposal

5 years imprisonment

If your business deposits, treats, keeps or disposes of controlled waste without a valid environmental permit, or does so in a way that could pollute the environment or harm health, you are committing a criminal offence. Conviction can lead to an unlimited fine and up to five years’ imprisonment, with the case possibly heard in either a magistrates’ court or the Crown Court.

Any Person s.33 NRW

Registration and licensing 1

Obtain authorisation before carrying out a prescribed process

2 years imprisonment

If your business wants to carry out any activity that the Environment Agency has listed as a ‘prescribed process’, you must first get an authorisation (licence) from them and pay the required charge or fee. You may only run that activity while the authorisation is in place and you must follow any conditions attached to it. The authority will also review the conditions at least every four years.

Any Person s.6 NRW When you intend to carry out a prescribed process after its prescribed …

Penalties for non-compliance

45 penalties under this legislation. 12 can result in imprisonment. 26 carry an unlimited fine.

Prison risk

Contravene GMO handling rules (s108(1))

Unlimited fine and/or 5 years imprisonment

Either way s.118 Penalises: Carry out environmental risk assessment and notify the …
Prison risk

Deposit substances or articles in the sea without a licence

Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment

Either way s.146 Penalises: Notify the Environment Agency of a transferred authorisation
Prison risk

Breach special waste regulations

Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment

Either way s.62 Penalises: Breach special waste regulations
Prison risk

Cause another person to commit an EPA offence

Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment

Either way s.158 Penalises: Cause another person to commit an EPA offence
Prison risk

Corporate offence liability for directors and officers

Unlimited fine and/or 6 months imprisonment

Either way s.157 Penalises: Corporate offence liability for directors and officers
Prison risk

Deposit non‑controlled waste that would be special waste

Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment

Either way s.63 Penalises: Deposit non‑controlled waste that would be special waste
Prison risk

Fail to provide information when required by waste authority

Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment

Either way s.71 Penalises: Fail to provide information when required by waste …
Prison risk

Make false or misleading statements to obtain or alter a licence

Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment

Either way s.44 Penalises: Make false or misleading statements to obtain or …
Prison risk

Unauthorised waste deposit, treatment or disposal

Unlimited fine and/or 5 years imprisonment

Either way s.33 Penalises: Unauthorised waste deposit, treatment or disposal
Prison risk

Contravene section 6(1) requirements

Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment

Either way s.23 Penalises: Obtain authorisation before carrying out a prescribed process
Prison risk

Obtain authorisation before carrying out a prescribed process

Unlimited fine and/or 6 months imprisonment

Either way s.6 Penalises: Obtain authorisation before carrying out a prescribed process
Prison risk

Do not obstruct authorised entry or disclose trade secrets

Fine up to £5,000 and/or 6 months imprisonment

Either way Schedule 3 Penalises: Do not obstruct authorised entry or disclose trade …
Unlimited fine

Carry out environmental risk assessment and notify the Secretary of State before dealing with GMOs

Unlimited fine

s.108 Penalises: Carry out environmental risk assessment and notify the …
Unlimited fine

Comply with waste licence conditions and regulator notices

Unlimited fine

Summary only s.42 Penalises: Comply with waste licence conditions and regulator notices
Unlimited fine

Comply with waste management licence conditions

Unlimited fine

s.35 Penalises: Comply with waste management licence conditions
Unlimited fine

Obtain consent and manage genetically modified organisms (GMOs)

Unlimited fine

s.111 Penalises: Obtain consent and manage genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
Unlimited fine

Operate authorised processes using best‑available techniques and meet authorisation conditions

Unlimited fine

s.7 Penalises: Operate authorised processes using best‑available techniques and meet …
Unlimited fine

Take reasonable steps to manage controlled waste safely

Unlimited fine

s.34 Penalises: Take reasonable steps to manage controlled waste safely
Unlimited fine

Discharge food waste into public sewer

Unlimited fine

Either way s.34D Penalises: Discharge food waste into public sewer
Unlimited fine

Fail to assist or give false information to officers searching vehicles

Unlimited fine

Summary only s.34B Penalises: Fail to assist or give false information to …
Unlimited fine

Fail to comply with an abatement notice for a statutory nuisance

Unlimited fine

Summary only s.80 Penalises: Fail to comply with an abatement notice for …
Unlimited fine

Fail to comply with an EPA compliance notice

Unlimited fine

Either way s.45AZF Penalises: Fail to comply with an EPA compliance notice
Unlimited fine

Fail to comply with a remediation notice

Unlimited fine

Summary only s.78M Penalises: Fail to comply with a remediation notice
Unlimited fine

Fail to comply with a statutory nuisance abatement order

Unlimited fine

Summary only s.82 Penalises: Fail to comply with a statutory nuisance abatement …
Unlimited fine

Fail to comply with a waste direction from the Secretary of State

Unlimited fine

Summary only s.57 Penalises: Fail to comply with a waste direction from …
Unlimited fine

Fail to comply with waste removal notice

Unlimited fine

Summary only s.59 Penalises: Fail to comply with waste removal notice
Unlimited fine

Fail to follow waste separation requirements

Unlimited fine

Either way s.45AA Penalises: Fail to follow waste separation requirements
Fine

Do not disturb waste without consent

Fine up to £2,500

Summary only s.60 Penalises: Do not disturb waste without consent
Fine

Distribute free printed matter on designated land without consent

Fine up to £2,500

Summary only Schedule 3A Penalises: Distribute free printed matter on designated land without …
Fine

Fail to comply with a litter abatement notice

Fine up to £2,500

Summary only s.92 Penalises: Fail to comply with a litter abatement notice
Fine

Fail to comply with a litter abatement order

Fine up to £2,500

Summary only s.91 Penalises: Fail to comply with a litter abatement order
Fine

Fail to comply with a street litter compliance order

Fine up to £2,500

Summary only s.94 Penalises: Fail to comply with a street litter compliance …
Fine

Leave litter in open public areas

Fine up to £2,500

Summary only s.87 Penalises: Leave litter in open public areas
Fine

Fail to comply with waste receptacle requirements

Fine up to £1,000

Summary only s.46 Penalises: Fail to comply with waste receptacle requirements
Fine

Fail to give name, address or DOB when required for fixed penalty notice

Fine up to £1,000

Summary only s.34ZC Penalises: Fail to give name, address or DOB when …
Fine

Fail to give name or address to a litter officer

Fine up to £1,000

Summary only s.88 Penalises: Fail to give name or address to a …
Fine

Fail to give name or address when required by a fixed‑penalty notice

Fine up to £1,000

Summary only s.34ZA Penalises: Fail to give name or address when required …
Fine

Fail to give name or address when required by authorised officer

Fine up to £1,000

Summary only s.33ZB Penalises: Fail to give name or address when required …
Fine

Fail to give name or address when required (or give false details)

Fine up to £1,000

Summary only s.33ZA Penalises: Fail to give name or address when required …
Fine

Fail to give or give false name/address/DOB when issued a fixed penalty notice

Fine up to £1,000

Summary only s.46ZD Penalises: Fail to give or give false name/address/DOB when …
Fine

Fail to provide required waste receptacles

Fine up to £1,000

Summary only s.47 Penalises: Fail to provide required waste receptacles
Fine

Obstruct inspection of waste scheme accounts

Fine up to £1,000

Summary only Schedule 2AA Penalises: Obstruct inspection of waste scheme accounts
Fine

Tamper with a fixed noise abatement notice

Fine up to £1,000

Summary only s.80A Penalises: Tamper with a fixed noise abatement notice
Fine

Fail to deliver stray dog to local authority

Fine up to £500

Summary only s.150 Penalises: Fail to deliver stray dog to local authority
Fine

Fail to comply with household waste transfer duty

Fine up to £300

Summary only s.34ZB Penalises: Take reasonable steps to manage controlled waste safely

Practical guidance

Our guides explain how to comply with the requirements above.

Sector-Specific 19

Environmental compliance for construction sites

Your environmental obligations for construction sites including site waste management, environmental permits, dust control, and noise management.

Prepare for farm inspections and audits

How to prepare for regulatory inspections and farm assurance audits. Covers which bodies inspect farms, what triggers inspections, …

Comply with farming environmental regulations

How to comply with environmental regulations for fertiliser storage and application, pesticide use, cross-compliance standards, and nutrient management …

Environmental Permits for Manufacturing

Understand when you need an environmental permit and how to apply for one.

Food waste management

Comply with food waste segregation and disposal duties.

Understand farm rules after cross-compliance ended

What environmental, animal health, and land management rules still apply to farms now that cross-compliance has ended. Explains …

Piling and earthworks compliance

Regulatory requirements for piling operations and earthworks on construction sites. Covers vibration monitoring under BS 5228 and BS …

Comply with Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ) regulations

How to comply with NVZ regulations if your land is in a designated Nitrate Vulnerable Zone. Covers nitrogen …

Navigate farm assurance schemes

Comparison of major UK farm assurance schemes including Red Tractor, RSPCA Assured, Soil Association Organic, and LEAF Marque. …

Manage invasive non-native species on your land

Legal obligations for managing invasive non-native species on business premises and development sites. Covers Japanese knotweed, giant hogweed, …

Comply with contaminated land remediation requirements

What to do when land you own or occupy is identified as contaminated under Part IIA of the …

Understanding contaminated land law for businesses

An overview of contaminated land law in the UK and how it affects businesses. Explains the Part 2A …

Due diligence when buying potentially contaminated land

How to carry out environmental due diligence before purchasing land that may be contaminated. Covers the Part IIA …

Contaminated land compliance checklist

A yes/no checklist for verifying contaminated land compliance, covering council records checks, environmental investigations, planning conditions, remediation requirements, …

Registering as a waste carrier

How to register as a waste carrier, broker or dealer. Covers upper tier and lower tier registration, fees, …

Control and monitor air emissions

How to comply with air emissions permit conditions for Part A and Part B regulated activities. Covers the …

Infection prevention and control for healthcare providers

How to meet infection prevention and control (IPC) requirements under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 Code …

Commercial waste management for hospitality businesses

How to manage commercial waste from hospitality premises including duty of care obligations, using registered waste carriers, cooking …

Managing noise from hospitality premises

How to prevent and manage noise complaints from hospitality premises including statutory nuisance law, planning conditions, licensing conditions, …

Sections and provisions

290 classified provisions from this legislation.

Duties 49

  • Schedule 3 Statutory Nuisances: Supplementary Provisions authority
  • s.4 Discharge and scope of functions. local authorities
  • s.6 Authorisations: general provisions. person
  • s.7 Conditions of authorisations. enforcing authorities
  • s.9 Transfer of authorisations.
  • Schedule 10 Transfer Schemes: Nature Conservancy Council Nature Conservancy Council and …
  • s.20 Public registers of information.
  • s.34 Duty of care etc. as respects waste. person
  • s.35 Waste management licences: general. authority
  • s.37 Variation of licences. authority
  • s.39 Surrender of licences.
  • s.42 Supervision of licensed activities. waste regulation authority which …
  • s.43 Appeals to Secretary of State from decisions with respect to licences. authority
  • s.44ZA Duty to prepare integrated waste management plan
  • s.44ZD Modification of integrated waste management plan
  • s.44ZC Implementation of integrated waste management plan
  • s.44ZB Approval of integrated waste management plan a local authority
  • s.45C Separate collection of dry recyclable waste and food waste: Scotland
  • s.45 Collection of controlled waste. that authority
  • s.45AZD Sections 45A to 45AZB: duties of waste collectors
  • ... and 29 more duties

Offences and penalties 51

  • s.23 Offences.
  • s.33ZB Fixed penalty notices for contravention of section 33(1)(a): Wales
  • s.33ZA Fixed penalty notices for contravention of section 33(1)(a): England
  • s.33 Prohibition on unauthorised or harmful deposit, treatment or disposal etc. of waste.
  • s.34D Prohibition on disposal of food waste to sewer
  • s.34B Power to search and seize vehicles etc
  • s.34ZA Fixed penalty notices: offences under section 34(6) relating to section 34(2A): England
  • s.34ZB Fixed penalty notices: offences under section 34(6) relating to section 34(2A): Wales
  • s.34ZC Fixed penalty notices for offences under section 34(6): Scotland
  • s.44 Offences of making false or misleading statements or false entries.
  • s.45AA Wales: separate collection etc. of waste
  • s.45AZF Sections 45AZA and 45AZB: compliance notices
  • s.46C Penalties under section 46A: procedure regarding notices of intent and final notices
  • s.46 Receptacles for household waste.
  • s.46ZC Civil penalty charges under section 46ZA: procedure and amount
  • s.46ZD Fixed penalty notices for offences under section 46
  • s.46D Appeals against penalties under section 46A
  • s.46ZB Civil penalty charges under section 46ZA: prior notices of intent and final notices
  • s.46ZA Enforcement of household waste requirements: Scotland
  • s.47 Receptacles for commercial or industrial waste.
  • ... and 31 more offences and penalties

Powers 72

  • Schedule 1 AUTHORISATIONS FOR PROCESSES: SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS
  • s.2 Prescribed processes and prescribed substances.
  • s.3 Emission etc. limits and quality objectives.
  • s.10 Variation of authorisations by enforcing authority.
  • Schedule 11 Transitional Provisions and Savings for Part VII
  • s.12 Revocation of authorisation.
  • s.13 Enforcement notices.
  • s.14 Prohibition notices.
  • s.15 Appeals as respects authorisations and against variation, enforcement and prohibition notices.
  • s.19 Obtaining of information from persons and authorities.
  • s.21 Exclusion from registers of information affecting national security.
  • s.22 Exclusion from registers of certain confidential information.
  • s.24 Enforcement by High Court.
  • s.26 Power of court to order cause of offence to be remedied.
  • s.27 Power of chief inspector to remedy harm.
  • s.33A Section 33 offences: investigation and enforcement costs
  • s.34A Fixed penalty notices for certain offences under section 34
  • s.34C Seizure of vehicles etc : supplementary
  • s.34CB Further provision about regulations under section 34CA
  • s.35A Compensation where rights granted pursuant to section 35(4) or 38(9A).
  • ... and 52 more powers

Definitions 25

  • s.1 Preliminary. Pollution of the environment Harm Process
  • s.11 Variation of conditions etc : applications by holders of authorisations.
  • s.29 Preliminary. Appropriate person Pollution of the environment harm
  • s.30 Authorities for purposes of this Part. English waste collection authority English waste disposal authority waste disposal contractor
  • s.34CA Electronic waste tracking digitally excluded person relevant national authority relevant waste
  • s.37A Consultation before certain variations.
  • s.40 Transfer of licences.
  • s.45A England: separate collection of household waste
  • s.59ZA Section 59: supplementary power in relation to owner of land owner
  • s.75 Meaning of “waste” and household, commercial and industrial waste and hazardous waste. Waste Framework Directive Waste Controlled waste
  • s.78YC This Part and radioactivity.
  • s.78E Duty of enforcing authority to require remediation of contaminated land etc.
  • s.78C Identification and designation of special sites.
  • s.78N Powers of the enforcing authority to carry out remediation. the relevant land or waters
  • s.78H Restrictions and prohibitions on serving remediation notices.
  • s.78F Determination of the appropriate person to bear responsibility for remediation.
  • s.78 This Part and radioactive substances.
  • s.78A Preliminary. Harm Remediation the appropriate Agency
  • s.88C Littering from a vehicle: Scottish civil penalty regime authorised officer litter authority local authority
  • s.98 Definitions. Appropriate person Statutory undertaker
  • ... and 5 more definitions

Exemptions 22

  • Schedule 4 Abandoned Shopping and Luggage Trolleys
  • s.8 Fees and charges for authorisations.
  • s.28 Authorisations and other statutory controls.
  • s.33B Section 33 offences: clean-up costs
  • s.33C Section 33 offences: forfeiture of vehicles
  • s.45AZA England: separate collection of household waste from relevant non-domestic premises
  • s.45AZB England: separate collection of industrial or commercial waste
  • s.55 Powers for recycling waste.
  • s.59ZC Section 59ZB: supplementary power in relation to owner of land
  • s.59ZB Powers to require removal of waste unlawfully kept or disposed of: England and Wales
  • s.76 Application to the Isles of Scilly.
  • s.77 Transition from Control of Pollution Act 1974 to this Part.
  • s.78Y Application to the Isles of Scilly.
  • s.78J Restrictions on liability relating to the pollution of controlled waters.
  • s.78YA Supplementary provisions with respect to guidance by the Secretary of State.
  • s.78TB Effect of removal of information from register
  • s.78YB Interaction of this Part with other enactments.
  • s.81B Payment of expenses by instalments.
  • s.81A Expenses recoverable from owner to be a charge on premises.
  • s.97B Exclusion of liability
  • ... and 2 more exemptions