Legislation & Compliance
Waste Management Legislation
Stay compliant and informed. We’ve broken down the key waste regulations affecting UK businesses, from everyday compliance requirements to new legislation coming into force.
Key Legislation Right Now
Mandatory separated waste collections for all businesses. Affects most UK organisations.
Extended producer responsibility shifts packaging costs to producers. Key cost implications.
Applies to plastic packaging with less than 30% recycled content. £217.85/tonne
Compliance & Documentation
A waste transfer note is a legal document required every time non-hazardous controlled waste is transferred from a business to a waste carrier or disposal facility.
If your business produces commercial waste – which applies to virtually every UK organisation – waste transfer notes are a statutory obligation, not a formality.
Legal obligations for every business that produces, handles or disposes of waste.
Who is legally required to carry one – and how to check your contractor’s status.
Environmental Legislation
The Environmental Protection Act 1990 outlines how businesses must handle controlled waste. It replaced the Control of Pollution Act 1974 and sets clear rules for managing pollution from industrial processes.
As a business, you’re legally responsible for making sure any waste you produce is stored, transported and disposed of safely and within the law. This is known as your ‘duty of care’ and it applies to anyone involved in producing, moving or managing waste.
Separate handling, storage and disposal rules for hazardous materials.
EU-derived restrictions on what can go to landfill and biodegradable waste targets
Packaging & Product Regulations
UK packaging waste law changed fundamentally from 1 January 2025.
The previous producer responsibility system – which ran for nearly 18 years – has been replaced by a new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regime. If your business handles, supplies, or imports packaging, understanding the current legislative landscape, how PRNs and PERNs work, and what essential design requirements apply is essential for maintaining compliance.
Take-back and recycling requirements for electrical and electronic equipment.
Collection, recycling and labelling requirements for batteries placed on the market.
Tax & Financial
Current rates, exemptions and how it affects disposal costs for your business.
Rules on food waste segregation and reporting for hospitality and food businesses.