UK Act of Parliament 2021 United Kingdom

Environment Act 2021 (enhancement)

An Act to make provision about targets, plans and policies for improving the natural environment; for statements and reports about environmental protection; for the Office for Environmental Protection; about waste and resource efficiency; about air quality; for the recall of products that fail to meet environmental standards; about water; about …

Read the Act on legislation.gov.uk (opens in a new tab)
Status
In Force
Penalty ceiling
Imprisonment 2 of 58 obligations carry an unlimited fine. 2 carry different penalties and 54 have no criminal penalty — flagged in the list below.

Does it bind you?

Business-side roles with duties under this instrument.

Any Person4 Occupier1 Statutory Undertaker1

Plus 52 duties on the regulator, Crown ministers and public bodies — folded into the section list below.

Other Acts binding the same actors

If a role above is yours, these are the other instruments that most often bind it.

Any Person — also bound by 2340 other Acts
Occupier — also bound by 235 other Acts
Highways Act 1980 23 duties
Statutory Undertaker — also bound by 179 other Acts

What it requires

Sections creating concrete business duties or carrying penalties, grouped as the instrument is structured. Titles link to the source text — blue means you’re leaving for legislation.gov.uk.

Part 1

Environmental governance

17 of 48 sections shown
s.005 Environmental targets: effect (opens in a new tab) Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Secretary of State must ensure environmental and air quality targets are metCrown / Minister / Government department
s.006 Environmental targets: reporting duties (opens in a new tab) Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Secretary of State must report on environmental targetsCrown / Minister / Government department
s.007 Environmental targets: review (opens in a new tab) Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Secretary of State must review and report on environmental targetsCrown / Minister / Government department
s.009 Annual reports on environmental improvement plans (opens in a new tab) Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Secretary of State must prepare annual environmental improvement plan reportsCrown / Minister / Government department
s.012 Reviewing and revising plans: other requirements (opens in a new tab) Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Secretary of State must review and update environmental improvement plansCrown / Minister / Government department
s.013 Renewing environmental improvement plans (opens in a new tab) Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Secretary of State must renew environmental improvement plansCrown / Minister / Government department
s.015 Renewing plans: other requirements (opens in a new tab) Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Secretary of State must review and update environmental improvement plansCrown / Minister / Government department
s.021 Reports on international environmental protection legislation (opens in a new tab) Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Secretary of State must report on international environmental protection legislation every 2 yearsCrown / Minister / Government department
s.023 Principal objective of the OEP and exercise of its functions (opens in a new tab) Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • OEP must publish an enforcement policy and strategy for environmental lawStatutory regulator
s.024 The OEP’s strategy: process (opens in a new tab) Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • OEP must publish, review, and consult on its environmental strategyStatutory regulator
s.025 Guidance on the OEP’s Northern Ireland enforcement policy and functions Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • DAERA must issue and publish guidance for OEP Northern Ireland enforcementCrown / Minister / Government department
s.026 Memorandum of understanding (opens in a new tab) Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • OEP and Climate Change Committee must coordinate via a memorandumStatutory regulator
s.028 Monitoring and reporting on environmental improvement plans and targets (opens in a new tab) Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • OEP must monitor and report on environmental progress annuallyStatutory regulator
s.029 Monitoring and reporting on environmental law (opens in a new tab) Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • OEP must monitor and report on the implementation of environmental lawStatutory regulator
s.030 Advising on changes to environmental law etc (opens in a new tab) Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • OEP must advise Ministers on changes to environmental lawStatutory regulator
s.034 Duty to keep complainants informed (opens in a new tab) Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • OEP must keep complainants updated on environmental failure investigationsStatutory regulator
s.035 Information notices (opens in a new tab) Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • OEP may issue information notices to public authoritiesStatutory regulator
31 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional
s.001 Environmental targets (opens in a new tab)
s.002 Environmental targets: particulate matter (opens in a new tab)
s.003 Environmental targets: species abundance (opens in a new tab)
s.004 Environmental targets: process (opens in a new tab)
s.008 Environmental improvement plans (opens in a new tab)
s.010 Reviewing and revising environmental improvement plans (opens in a new tab)
s.011 Reviewing and revising plans: interim targets (opens in a new tab)
s.014 Renewing plans: interim targets (opens in a new tab)
s.016 Environmental monitoring (opens in a new tab)
s.017 Policy statement on environmental principles (opens in a new tab)
s.018 Policy statement on environmental principles: process (opens in a new tab)
s.019 Policy statement on environmental principles: effect (opens in a new tab)
s.020 Statements about Bills containing new environmental law (opens in a new tab)
s.022 The Office for Environmental Protection (opens in a new tab)
s.025 Guidance on the OEP’s enforcement policy and functions (opens in a new tab)
s.027 Co-operation duties of public authorities and the OEP (opens in a new tab)
s.031 Failure of public authorities to comply with environmental law (opens in a new tab)
s.032 Complaints (opens in a new tab)
s.033 Investigations (opens in a new tab)
s.036 Decision notices (opens in a new tab)
s.037 Linked notices (opens in a new tab)
s.038 Environmental review (opens in a new tab)
s.039 Judicial review: powers to apply in urgent cases and to intervene (opens in a new tab)
s.040 Duty of the OEP to involve the relevant Minister (opens in a new tab)
s.041 Public statements (opens in a new tab)
s.042 Disclosures to the OEP (opens in a new tab)
s.043 Confidentiality of proceedings (opens in a new tab)
s.044 Meaning of “natural environment” (opens in a new tab)
s.045 Meaning of “environmental protection” (opens in a new tab)
s.046 Meaning of “environmental law” (opens in a new tab)
s.047 Interpretation of Part 1: general (opens in a new tab)
Part 2

Environmental governance: Northern Ireland

0 of 2 sections shown
2 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional
s.048 Improving the natural environment: Northern Ireland (opens in a new tab)
s.049 The Office for Environmental Protection: Northern Ireland (opens in a new tab)
Part 3

Waste and resource efficiency

0 of 22 sections shown
22 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional
s.050 Producer responsibility obligations (opens in a new tab)
s.051 Producer responsibility for disposal costs (opens in a new tab)
s.052 Resource efficiency information (opens in a new tab)
s.053 Resource efficiency requirements (opens in a new tab)
s.054 Deposit schemes (opens in a new tab)
s.055 Charges for single use items (opens in a new tab)
s.056 Charges for carrier bags (opens in a new tab)
s.057 Separation of waste (opens in a new tab)
s.058 Electronic waste tracking: Great Britain (opens in a new tab)
s.059 Electronic waste tracking: Northern Ireland (opens in a new tab)
s.060 Hazardous waste: England and Wales (opens in a new tab)
s.061 Hazardous waste: Northern Ireland (opens in a new tab)
s.062 Transfrontier shipments of waste (opens in a new tab)
s.063 Regulations under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (opens in a new tab)
s.064 Powers to make charging schemes (opens in a new tab)
s.065 Waste charging: Northern Ireland (opens in a new tab)
s.066 Enforcement powers (opens in a new tab)
s.067 Enforcement powers: Northern Ireland (opens in a new tab)
s.068 Littering enforcement (opens in a new tab)
s.069 Fixed penalty notices (opens in a new tab)
s.070 Regulation of polluting activities (opens in a new tab)
s.071 Waste regulation: amendment of Northern Ireland Order (opens in a new tab)
Part 4

Air quality and environmental recall

1 of 6 sections shown
s.075 Compulsory recall notices (opens in a new tab) Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Secretary of State may issue compulsory product recall noticesCrown / Minister / Government department
5 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional
s.072 Local air quality management framework (opens in a new tab)
s.073 Smoke control areas: amendments of the Clean Air Act 1993 (opens in a new tab)
s.074 Environmental recall of motor vehicles etc (opens in a new tab)
s.076 Further provision about regulations under section 74 (opens in a new tab)
s.077 Interpretation of sections 74 to 76 (opens in a new tab)
Part 5

Water

3 of 20 sections shown
s.080 Storm overflows (opens in a new tab) Regulated
  • Publish annual reports on storm overflow dischargesStatutory Undertaker
s.084 Report on elimination of discharges from storm overflows (opens in a new tab) Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Secretary of State must report on eliminating storm overflow dischargesCrown / Minister / Government department
s.097 Disclosure of Revenue and Customs information (opens in a new tab) Imprisonment
  • Unlawful disclosure of tax or drainage rate informationAny Person
17 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional
s.078 Water resources management plans, drought plans and joint proposals (opens in a new tab)
s.079 Drainage and sewerage management plans (opens in a new tab)
s.081 Reporting on discharges from storm overflows (opens in a new tab)
s.082 Monitoring quality of water potentially affected by discharges (opens in a new tab)
s.083 Reduction of adverse impacts of storm overflows (opens in a new tab)
s.085 Authority’s power to require information (opens in a new tab)
s.086 Water and sewerage undertakers in England: modifying appointments (opens in a new tab)
s.087 Electronic service of documents (opens in a new tab)
s.088 Water abstraction: no compensation for certain licence modifications (opens in a new tab)
s.089 Water quality: powers of Secretary of State (opens in a new tab)
s.090 Water quality: powers of Welsh Ministers (opens in a new tab)
s.091 Water quality: powers of Northern Ireland department (opens in a new tab)
s.092 Solway Tweed river basin district: power to transfer functions (opens in a new tab)
s.093 Water quality: interpretation (opens in a new tab)
s.094 Valuation of other land in drainage district: England (opens in a new tab)
s.095 Valuation of other land in drainage district: Wales (opens in a new tab)
s.096 Valuation of agricultural land in drainage district: England and Wales (opens in a new tab)
Part 6

Nature and biodiversity

17 of 19 sections shown
s.100 Biodiversity gain site register (opens in a new tab)

amended 3 times (opens in a new tab)

s.101 Biodiversity credits (opens in a new tab)

amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

s.102 General duty to conserve and enhance biodiversity (opens in a new tab)

amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

s.103 Biodiversity reports (opens in a new tab)

amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

s.104 Local nature recovery strategies for England (opens in a new tab)

amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

s.105 Preparation of local nature recovery strategies (opens in a new tab)

amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

s.106 Content of local nature recovery strategies (opens in a new tab)

amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

s.107 Information to be provided by the Secretary of State (opens in a new tab)

amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

s.108 Interpretation (opens in a new tab)

amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

s.109 Species conservation strategies (opens in a new tab)

amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

s.110 Protected site strategies (opens in a new tab)

amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

s.111 Wildlife conservation: licences (opens in a new tab)

amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

s.112 Habitats Regulations: power to amend general duties (opens in a new tab)

amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

s.113 Habitats Regulations: power to amend Part 6 (opens in a new tab)

amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

s.114 Controlling the felling of trees in England (opens in a new tab)

amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

s.115 Local highway authorities in England to consult before felling street trees (opens in a new tab)

amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

s.116 Use of forest risk commodities in commercial activity (opens in a new tab)

amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

2 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional
s.098 Biodiversity gain as condition of planning permission (opens in a new tab)
s.099 Biodiversity gain in nationally significant infrastructure projects (opens in a new tab)
Part 7

Conservation covenants

23 of 23 sections shown
s.117 Conservation covenant agreements (opens in a new tab)

amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

s.118 Conservation covenants (opens in a new tab)

amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

s.119 Responsible bodies (opens in a new tab)

amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

s.120 Local land charge (opens in a new tab)

amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

s.121 Duration of obligation under conservation covenant (opens in a new tab)

amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

s.122 Benefit and burden of obligation of landowner (opens in a new tab)

amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

s.123 Benefit of obligation of responsible body (opens in a new tab)

amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

s.124 Breach of obligation (opens in a new tab)

amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

s.125 Enforcement of obligation (opens in a new tab)

amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

s.126 Defences to breach of obligation (opens in a new tab)

amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

s.127 Discharge of obligation of landowner by agreement (opens in a new tab)

amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

s.128 Discharge of obligation of responsible body by agreement (opens in a new tab)

amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

s.129 Modification of obligation by agreement (opens in a new tab)

amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

s.130 Discharge or modification of obligation by Upper Tribunal (opens in a new tab)

amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

s.131 Power of responsible body to appoint replacement (opens in a new tab)

amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

s.132 Body ceasing to be a responsible body (opens in a new tab)

amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

s.133 Effect of acquisition or disposal of affected land by responsible body (opens in a new tab)

amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

s.134 Effect of deemed surrender and re-grant of qualifying estate (opens in a new tab)

amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

s.135 Declarations about obligations under conservation covenants (opens in a new tab)

amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

s.136 Duty of responsible bodies to make annual return (opens in a new tab)

amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

s.137 Crown application (opens in a new tab)

amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

s.138 Index of defined terms in Part 7 (opens in a new tab)

amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

s.139 Consequential amendments relating to Part 7 (opens in a new tab)

amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

Part 8

Miscellaneous and general provisions

10 of 10 sections shown
s.140 Amendment of REACH legislation (opens in a new tab)

amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

s.141 Amendments of Schedule 7B to the Government of Wales Act 2006 (opens in a new tab)

amended 1 time (opens in a new tab)

s.142 Consequential provision (opens in a new tab)

amended 3 times (opens in a new tab)

s.143 Regulations (opens in a new tab)

amended 1 time (opens in a new tab)

s.144 Crown application (opens in a new tab)

amended 1 time (opens in a new tab)

s.145 Financial provisions (opens in a new tab)

amended 1 time (opens in a new tab)

s.146 Extent (opens in a new tab)

amended 1 time (opens in a new tab)

s.147 Commencement (opens in a new tab)

amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

s.148 Transitional or saving provision (opens in a new tab)

amended 1 time (opens in a new tab)

s.149 Short title (opens in a new tab)

amended 1 time (opens in a new tab)

Schedules

Schedules

37 of 304 shown
s.012 Smoke control in England and Wales (opens in a new tab) Prosecution
  • Emit smoke from a chimney in a smoke control areaOccupier

Fine up to £300

s.sch001 Delegation to members, committees and employees Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • OEP must prepare a delegation policyStatutory regulator
s.sch001 Annual report Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • OEP must prepare and publish annual report on its functionsStatutory regulator
s.sch001 Annual accounts Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • OEP must keep proper accounts and prepare annual financial statementsStatutory regulator
s.sch001 Independence of the OEP Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Secretary of State and NI Department must protect OEP independenceCrown / Minister / Government department
s.sch001 Appointment of non-executive members Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Government bodies must appoint OEP non-executive members with appropriate environmental expertiseCrown / Minister / Government department
s.sch001 Public sector equality duty Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • OEP must comply with the public sector equality dutyStatutory regulator
s.sch002 Improving the natural environment: Northern Ireland (opens in a new tab) Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Department must prepare and publish environmental improvement plans and report on progressCrown / Minister / Government department
s.sch002 Environmental improvement plans Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Department must prepare and publish an environmental improvement planCrown / Minister / Government department
s.sch002 Annual reports on environmental improvement plans Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Department must prepare and publish annual reports on environmental improvement plan implementationCrown / Minister / Government department
s.sch002 Renewing environmental improvement plans Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Department must prepare and publish new environmental improvement plan before old plan expiresCrown / Minister / Government department
s.sch002 Environmental monitoring Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Department must arrange environmental monitoring and publish monitoring dataCrown / Minister / Government department
s.sch002 Policy statement on environmental principles Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • DEFRA must publish a policy statement explaining environmental principlesCrown / Minister / Government department
s.sch002 Policy statement on environmental principles: process Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Department must prepare and consult on environmental principles policyCrown / Minister / Government department
s.sch003 Monitoring and reporting on the Department’s environmental improvement plans Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Department must respond to OEP progress reports within 12 monthsCrown / Minister / Government department
s.sch003 Duty of the OEP to involve the relevant department Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • OEP must share enforcement notices and related correspondence with the relevant government departmentStatutory regulator
s.sch003 Monitoring and reporting on environmental law Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • OEP must monitor and report on Northern Ireland environmental lawStatutory regulator
s.sch003 In section 37 (linked notices), after subsection (6) insert— Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • OEP must provide copies of linked Northern Ireland notices and correspondenceStatutory regulator
s.sch003 Complaints about relevant public authorities Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • OEP must publish a complaints procedure for environmental law failures by public authoritiesStatutory regulator
s.sch003 Investigations: relevant public authorities Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • OEP must investigate serious environmental law breaches by public authoritiesStatutory regulator
s.sch003 Duty to keep complainants informed Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • OEP must keep complainants informed about complaint handlingStatutory regulator
s.sch003 Information notices Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Respond to OEP information notices about serious environmental law failuresCrown / Minister / Government department
s.sch004 Consultation requirement Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • National authority must consult before making Part 2 regulationsCrown / Minister / Government department
s.sch004 Consultation etc requirements Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Relevant national authority must consult before making Schedule 4 regulationsCrown / Minister / Government department
s.sch005 Consultation requirements Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • National authority must consult interests affected by regulationsCrown / Minister / Government department
s.sch005 Consultation requirements Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Relevant national authority must consult before making regulationsCrown / Minister / Government department
s.sch006 Consultation requirement Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Consult before making Part 2 regulationsCrown / Minister / Government department
s.sch006 Consultation etc requirements Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Relevant national authority must consult before making product environmental regulationsCrown / Minister / Government department
s.sch007 Consultation requirement Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • National authority must consult before making Part 2 regulationsCrown / Minister / Government department
s.sch007 Consultation etc requirements Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Government must consult and assess before making product resource efficiency regulationsCrown / Minister / Government department
s.sch011 For section 86A substitute— Role of the Mayor of London... Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Mayor of London must provide air quality measures and carry them out by specified datesLocal authority
s.sch011 After that section insert— Duty to report on air quality... Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Secretary of State must report annually on air quality progressCrown / Minister / Government department
s.sch011 After section 85 insert— Duty of air quality partners to... Regulated
  • Assist local authority with air quality planning and implement action plan measuresAny Person
s.sch012 After section 19A (as inserted by paragraph 2 above)— Acquisition... Prosecution
  • Buy or sell unauthorised solid fuel in a smoke control areaAny Person

Unlimited fine

s.sch012 After section 26 insert— Duty of local authority to reimburse... Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Local authority must reimburse 70% of vessel adaptation costs for smoke control ordersLocal authority
s.sch016 Penalty for felling without licence: increase of fine Prosecution
  • Fell trees without a licenceAny Person

Unlimited fine

s.sch017 Consultation requirement Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Secretary of State must consult before making Part 2 regulationsCrown / Minister / Government department
267 other schedules
s.003 The Office for Environmental Protection: Northern Ireland (opens in a new tab)
s.005 Producer responsibility for disposal costs (opens in a new tab)
s.008 Deposit schemes (opens in a new tab)
s.011 Local air quality management framework (opens in a new tab)
s.016 Controlling the felling of trees in England (opens in a new tab)
s.020 Consequential amendments relating to Part 7 (opens in a new tab)
s.sch001 The Office for Environmental Protection (opens in a new tab)
s.sch001 Membership
s.sch001 Procedure
s.sch001 Funding
s.sch001 Meaning of “financial year”
s.sch001 Status
s.sch001 Disqualification from membership of legislatures
s.sch001 In Part 2 of Schedule 1 to the Northern Ireland...
s.sch001 Public records
s.sch001 Freedom of Information
s.sch001 Investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner
s.sch001 Meaning of “the Northern Ireland Department”
s.sch001 Appointment of executive members
s.sch001 Interim chief executive
s.sch001 Terms of membership
s.sch001 Remuneration of non-executive members
s.sch001 Staffing and remuneration
s.sch001 Powers
s.sch001 Committees
s.sch002 Meaning of “environmental protection”
s.sch002 General interpretation
s.sch002 Reviewing and revising environmental improvement plans
s.sch002 Policy statement on environmental principles: effect
s.sch002 Meaning of “natural environment”
s.sch003 Decision notices
s.sch003 Linked notices
s.sch003 Review application
s.sch003 Judicial review: powers to apply to prevent serious damage and to intervene
s.sch003 Public statements
s.sch003 Disclosures to the OEP
s.sch003 Confidentiality of proceedings
s.sch003 Meaning of UK environmental law and Northern Ireland environmental law
s.sch003 Interpretation of Part
s.sch003 This Act is amended in accordance with paragraphs 21 to...
s.sch003 (1) Section 23 (principal objective of the OEP and exercise...
s.sch003 In section 24 (the OEP’s strategy: process), in subsection (1)(a)...
s.sch003 (1) Section 25 (guidance on the OEP’s enforcement policy and...
s.sch003 After section 25 (guidance on the OEP’s enforcement policy and...
s.sch003 (1) Section 27 (co-operation duties of public authorities and the...
s.sch003 (1) Section 43 (confidentiality of proceedings) is amended as follows....
s.sch003 (1) Section 47 (interpretation of Part 1 of the Act)...
s.sch003 (1) Schedule 1 is amended as follows.
s.sch003 Advising on changes to Northern Ireland environmental law etc
s.sch003 (1) Schedule 2 (improving the natural environment: Northern Ireland) is...
s.sch003 Failure of relevant public authorities to comply with environmental law
s.sch003 Meaning of relevant environmental law, relevant public authority etc
s.sch004 Producer responsibility obligations (opens in a new tab)
s.sch004 General power
s.sch004 The relevant national authority must exercise the power to make...
s.sch004 Interpretation
s.sch004 General power
s.sch004 Powers to confer functions
s.sch004 Monitoring compliance
s.sch004 Records and information
s.sch004 Powers of entry etc
s.sch004 Sanctions
s.sch004 Part 2 regulations may include provision for the imposition of...
s.sch004 Charges and costs
s.sch004 Examples of provision that may be made
s.sch004 Registration of persons subject to producer responsibility obligations
s.sch004 Compliance schemes
s.sch004 Registration of compliance schemes
s.sch004 Power to direct compliance scheme operators
s.sch004 Certificates of compliance
s.sch004 (1) Before making regulations under this Part of this Schedule...
s.sch005 General power
s.sch005 General power
s.sch005 Powers to confer functions
s.sch005 Monitoring compliance
s.sch005 Records and information
s.sch005 Powers of entry etc
s.sch005 Sanctions
s.sch005 Charges and costs
s.sch005 “Disposal costs” and “disposal”
s.sch005 Calculation of sums payable
s.sch005 Administration
s.sch005 Registration
s.sch005 Payment of sums
s.sch005 Distribution of sums paid
s.sch005 Repayment of sums paid
s.sch005 Charges
s.sch006 Resource efficiency information (opens in a new tab)
s.sch006 General power
s.sch006 Records and information
s.sch006 Powers of entry etc
s.sch006 Sanctions
s.sch006 Costs
s.sch006 Meaning of “information about resource efficiency”
s.sch006 Persons on whom requirements may be imposed
s.sch006 Examples of provision that may be made
s.sch006 Interpretation
s.sch006 General power
s.sch006 Powers to confer functions
s.sch006 Monitoring compliance
s.sch007 Resource efficiency requirements (opens in a new tab)
s.sch007 General power
s.sch007 Records and information
s.sch007 Powers of entry etc
s.sch007 Sanctions
s.sch007 Costs
s.sch007 Meaning of “resource efficiency requirements”
s.sch007 Persons on whom requirements may be imposed
s.sch007 Examples of provision that may be made
s.sch007 Interpretation
s.sch007 General power
s.sch007 Powers to confer functions
s.sch007 Monitoring compliance
s.sch008 Power to establish deposit schemes
s.sch008 Scheme suppliers
s.sch008 Scheme collectors
s.sch008 Deposit scheme administrators
s.sch008 Enforcement
s.sch008 Interpretation
s.sch009 Charges for single use items (opens in a new tab)
s.sch009 General power
s.sch009 Requirement to charge
s.sch009 Sellers of goods and services
s.sch009 Amount of charge
s.sch009 Administration
s.sch009 Registration
s.sch009 Record-keeping and publication of records
s.sch009 Enforcement
s.sch009 Civil sanctions
s.sch010 Enforcement powers (opens in a new tab)
s.sch010 Powers to search and seize vehicles in connection with waste offences
s.sch010 In section 34B(6) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (constable’s...
s.sch010 Powers of direction in relation to waste
s.sch010 Powers of entry in relation to pollution control etc
s.sch010 (1) Section 108 (powers of enforcing authorities and their authorised...
s.sch010 (1) Schedule 18 (supplemental provision about powers of entry) is...
s.sch011 The Environment Act 1995 is amended as follows.
s.sch011 (1) Section 87 (regulations) is amended as follows.
s.sch011 In section 88, in subsection (3), after “district councils” insert...
s.sch011 In section 91 (interpretation), in subsection (1)—
s.sch011 In Schedule 11 (air quality: supplemental provisions), in paragraph 1(2),...
s.sch011 (1) Section 80 (national air quality strategy) is amended as...
s.sch011 After section 81 insert— Functions of relevant public authorities etc...
s.sch011 (1) Section 82 (local authority reviews) is amended as follows....
s.sch011 After section 83 insert— Duties of English local authorities in...
s.sch011 (1) Section 84 (duties of local authorities in relation to...
s.sch011 (1) Section 86 (functions of county councils for areas for...
s.sch012 The Clean Air Act 1993 is amended as follows.
s.sch012 (1) Section 20 (prohibition on emission of smoke in smoke...
s.sch012 (1) Section 21 (power to exempt certain fireplaces) is amended...
s.sch012 Minor and consequential amendments to the Clean Air Act 1993
s.sch012 (1) Section 18 (declaration of smoke control area by local...
s.sch012 (1) Section 20 (prohibition on emission of smoke in smoke...
s.sch012 (1) Section 21 (power to exempt certain fireplaces) is amended...
s.sch012 (1) Section 22 (exemptions relating to particular areas) is amended...
s.sch012 (1) Section 23 (acquisition and sale of unauthorised fuel in...
s.sch012 In section 24 (power to require adaptations of fireplaces), in...
s.sch012 In section 26 (power to make grants for fireplaces in...
s.sch012 After section 19 insert— Regulation of smoke and fuel in...
s.sch012 In section 27 (references to adaptations)— (a) in the heading,...
s.sch012 In section 28 (expenditure on execution of works), in subsection...
s.sch012 In section 29 (interpretation)— (a) in the definition of “old...
s.sch012 In section 63 (orders and regulations)— (a) in subsection (2),...
s.sch012 (1) Schedule 1 (coming into operation of smoke control orders)...
s.sch012 Minor amendments to other legislation
s.sch012 Where a local authority in England has made a smoke...
s.sch012 After Schedule 1 insert— SCHEDULE 1A Penalty for emission of...
s.sch012 After section 28 insert— Guidance for local authorities in England...
s.sch012 In section 44 (vessels), after subsection (2) insert—
s.sch012 In section 56 (rights of entry and inspection etc), for...
s.sch012 The Clean Air Act 1993 is amended as follows.
s.sch013 Modifying water and sewerage undertakers’ appointments: procedure for appeals (opens in a new tab)
s.sch014 Biodiversity gain as condition of planning permission (opens in a new tab)
s.sch014 In the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, after section...
s.sch014 In that Act, after Schedule 7 insert— SCHEDULE 7A Biodiversity...
s.sch014 (1) The Town and Country Planning Act 1990 is amended...
s.sch015 Biodiversity gain in nationally significant infrastructure projects (opens in a new tab)
s.sch015 The Planning Act 2008 is amended as follows.
s.sch015 In section 103 (Secretary of State is to decide applications),...
s.sch015 (1) Section 104 (decisions in cases where national policy statement...
s.sch015 (1) Section 105 (decisions in cases where no national policy...
s.sch015 After Schedule 2 insert— SCHEDULE 2A Biodiversity gain Section 103...
s.sch015 The Planning Act 2008 is amended as follows.
s.sch015 In section 37 (applications for orders for development consent), after...
s.sch015 In section 120 (what may be included in development consent...
s.sch015 (1) Section 232 (orders and regulations) is amended as follows....
s.sch016 Introductory
s.sch016 Restocking notices to be local land charges
s.sch016 Enforcement notices to be local land charges
s.sch016 Further enforcement notices for new estate or interest holders
s.sch016 Power of court to order restocking after conviction for failure to comply with enforcement notice
s.sch016 Service of notices on directors of companies that have estates or interests in land
s.sch016 Requiring information from the owner of land
s.sch017 Use of forest risk commodities in commercial activity (opens in a new tab)
s.sch017 Meaning of “forest risk commodity”
s.sch017 Monitoring compliance
s.sch017 Records and information
s.sch017 Powers of entry etc
s.sch017 Sanctions
s.sch017 Part 2 regulations may include provision for the imposition of...
s.sch017 Charges
s.sch017 Review
s.sch017 Interpretation
s.sch017 Prohibition on using illegally produced commodities
s.sch017 Due diligence system
s.sch017 Annual report on due diligence system
s.sch017 Exemption
s.sch017 Guidance
s.sch017 Meaning of “regulated person”
s.sch017 General power
s.sch017 Powers to confer functions
s.sch018 Discharge or modification of obligations under conservation covenants (opens in a new tab)
s.sch018 Power to discharge on application by landowner or responsible body
s.sch018 Supplementary powers
s.sch018 (1) The Upper Tribunal may, if it considers it reasonable...
s.sch018 Effect of modification
s.sch018 Interpretation
s.sch018 (1) The Upper Tribunal may, on the application of the...
s.sch018 Deciding whether to discharge
s.sch018 Supplementary powers
s.sch018 (1) The Upper Tribunal may, if it considers it reasonable...
s.sch018 Power to modify on application by landowner or responsible body
s.sch018 (1) The Upper Tribunal may, on the application of the...
s.sch018 The power under paragraph 6(1) or 7(1) does not include...
s.sch018 Deciding whether to modify
s.sch019 Application of Part 7 to Crown land (opens in a new tab)
s.sch019 Application of Part 7
s.sch019 (1) Section 123 has effect with the following modifications in...
s.sch019 In section 129(4)(b) and (5) the references to a successor...
s.sch019 In Schedule 18— (a) the references in paragraphs 1(1) and...
s.sch019 Cases where estate in land to which conservation covenant relates has been acquired by the Crown and is held by person other than the appropriate authority
s.sch019 In section 122— (a) subsections (2)(b), (3) and (4) have...
s.sch019 In section 123— (a) subsections (1)(b), (2) and (4) have...
s.sch019 (1) In section 129(4)(b) and (5) references to a successor...
s.sch019 In Schedule 18— (a) the reference in paragraph 6(1) to...
s.sch019 Agreements under section 127(1) and (3)
s.sch019 Agreements under section 128(1)
s.sch019 Interpretation
s.sch019 Agreements under section 129(1)
s.sch019 (1) Sub-paragraph (2) applies where a person who—
s.sch019 Demesne land
s.sch019 Land subject to escheat
s.sch019 Bona vacantia
s.sch019 Agreements for the purposes of section 117
s.sch019 Modification of Part 7 in relation to obligations under certain Crown conservation covenants
s.sch019 References in Part 7 to an obligation of the landowner...
s.sch019 (1) Section 122 has effect with the following modifications in...
s.sch020 Acquisition of Land Act 1981 (c. 67)
s.sch020 In section 23 (compensation), after subsection (5) insert—
s.sch020 (1) Section 27 (powers of acquiring authority in temporary possession...
s.sch020 In section 30 (interpretation), at the appropriate place, insert— “obligation...
s.sch020 (1) Section 12 (notice of compulsory purchase by local and...
s.sch020 (1) Paragraph 3 of Schedule 1 (notice of compulsory purchase...
s.sch020 Housing and Planning Act 2016 (c. 22)
s.sch020 (1) Section 203 (power to override easements and other rights)...
s.sch020 (1) Section 204 (compensation for overridden easements etc) is amended...
s.sch020 In section 205(1) (interpretation), at the appropriate place insert— “obligation...
s.sch020 Neighbourhood Planning Act 2017 (c. 20)
s.sch020 In section 20 (notice requirements relating to taking temporary possession),...
s.sch021 Amendment of REACH legislation (opens in a new tab)
s.sch021 Amendment of the REACH Regulation
s.sch021 Amendment of the REACH Enforcement Regulations 2008
s.sch021 Consent of the devolved administrations
s.sch021 Requests by devolved administrations for exercise of powers under this Schedule
s.sch021 Consultation
s.sch021 The protected provisions
s.sch021 Other interpretation

Help complying

Guvnor’s practical routes through this instrument.

Starting a waste business

Complete compliance guide for waste transfer stations, treatment facilities, skip hire, and recycling centres. Covers environmental permits, waste carrier registration, and ongoing …

Packaging producer compliance journey

Understand the overlapping environmental obligations for businesses that handle packaging. Covers Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT), and Simpler Recycling …

Ecological compliance for development projects

Learn the full lifecycle of ecological obligations when developing land, from protected species surveys and wildlife licensing through to biodiversity net gain …

Meet environmental compliance requirements

Navigate your environmental obligations including waste duty of care, pollution prevention, packaging responsibilities, and energy reporting

Waste compliance quick check

Quick checklist for business owners to verify they meet basic waste duty of care obligations under EPA 1990 Section 34.

Environmental compliance for new businesses

A complete introduction to environmental obligations for new business owners. Learn whether you need an environmental permit, how to handle waste legally, …

BNG for small sites (under 10 units)

Biodiversity net gain guidance specifically for small residential developments. Covers exemptions, the Small Sites Metric, simplified assessments, and cost-effective delivery options for …

Commercial waste management for hospitality businesses

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

Comply with biodiversity net gain for development in England

If you are developing land in England, you must achieve at least 10% biodiversity net gain (BNG) as a condition of planning …

Environmental obligations for retailers

Environmental compliance for retail businesses. Covers WEEE registration, packaging waste, EPR, carrier bag charge, single-use plastics ban, Simpler Recycling, and DRS preparation.

Food waste management

Comply with food waste segregation and disposal duties.

Get an environmental permit for intensive livestock

Step-by-step guide for intensive poultry and pig farmers who need an Environment Agency environmental permit under the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016. Covers …

Meet biodiversity net gain requirements for development

How to comply with mandatory 10% biodiversity net gain (BNG) requirements when developing land in England. Covers the statutory biodiversity metric, delivery …

Packaging waste producer responsibilities

Who must comply with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging, how to register and report data, and what disposal fees and recycling …
16 more guides that reference this instrument
Purchase biodiversity credits Understand your farm's regulatory obligations Business waste management Meet your environmental compliance obligations under the Environment Act 2021 Packaging Design Requirements Packaging Producer Responsibility Plastic Packaging Tax Prepare for Digital Waste Tracking SECR and ESOS - energy and carbon reporting Simpler Recycling - what your business must do UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS) compliance Clean Air Zones and emission requirements for goods vehicles Compliance for van and light goods vehicle operators Planning for small sites (under 10 units) Simpler Recycling for businesses in England Specialist retail licences and registrations

Connected legislation

Instruments made under this Act. They carry the detail the Act delegates.

Duty extraction and severity labels are Guvnor’s analysis of the instrument, not the instrument itself. Always verify against the linked source text.