Guidance

SR2022 No 4: non-hazardous waste recycling with asbestos, hazardous batteries, cable and WEEE storage

Updated 28 April 2025

Applies to England

The Environmental Permitting (England & Wales) Regulations 2016 

These rules incorporate the following standard rules sets:  

• SR2008 No 3  

• SR2008 No 4 

• SR2008 No 7 

• SR2008 No 8 

• SR2015 No 6 

• SR2015 No 10 

Introductory note 

This introductory note does not form a part of these standard rules. 

When referred to in an environmental permit these rules will allow the operation of a waste facility transferring and treating a range of non-hazardous wastes. These rules also allow storage of asbestos, batteries, cable and waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). This permit is not for facilities accepting a single or limited waste streams.   

These rules allow the operation of a waste facility at a specified location, providing that the permitted activities meet the following location criteria: 

• not within 500 metres of a European site, Ramsar, Site of Special Scientific Interest or Marine Conservation Zone; and 

• not within a groundwater source protection zone 1. 

Outdoor storage and treatment of wastes listed in Table 2.3b (for example; concrete, bricks, tiles, sand, gravels etc) must meet the following location criteria: 

• not within 50 metres of a National Nature Reserve, Local Nature Reserve, Local Wildlife Site, Ancient woodland or Scheduled Ancient Monument; 

• not within 50 metres of a site that has species or habitats protected under the Biodiversity Action Plan that the Environment Agency considers at risk to this activity; 

• not within 250 metres within the presence of Great Crested Newts where it is linked to the breeding ponds of the newts by good habitat; 

• not within a groundwater source protection zone 1;  

• not within 10 metres of a watercourse; and 

• not within a specified Air Quality Management Area designated for particulate matter PM₁₀. 

These rules will permit: 

• up to 75,000 tonnes of waste per year from Table 2.3a and Table 2.3b to be accepted at the site

• storage of up to 15,000 tonnes of wastes listed in Table 2.3a including processed wastes produced from them 

• storage of up to 40,000 tonnes of wastes listed in Table 2.3b at any one time including processed wastes produced from them

• sorting, separation, screening, baling, shredding crushing and compaction of waste

• wastes to be bulked up for recovery elsewhere  

• storage of hazardous waste listed in Table 2.3a (asbestos, hazardous batteries, cable and WEEE) 

• treatment of WEEE and waste batteries shall consist of manual sorting only 

These rules will not permit: 

• washing and heat treatment processes

These rules are linked to the non-hazardous and inert waste: appropriate measures for permitted facilities guidance published on 12 July 2021.  

Words and expressions used in this introductory note and these standard rules shall have the meanings given in section 4.4, as appropriate. 

End of introductory note. 

Rules 

1. Management 

1.1 General management 

1.1.1 The operator shall manage and operate the activities: 

(a) in accordance with a written management system that identifies and minimises risks of pollution, so far as is reasonably practicable, including those risks arising from operations, maintenance, accidents, incidents, non-conformances, closure and those drawn to the attention of the operator as a result of complaints; and 

(b) using sufficient competent persons and resources. 

1.1.2 Records demonstrating compliance with rule 1.1.1 shall be maintained. 

1.1.3 Any person having duties that are or may be affected by the matters set out in these standard rules or the permit shall have convenient access to a copy of the permit and the rules. 

1.1.4 The operator shall comply with the requirements of an approved competence scheme (or other approval issued by the Environment Agency). 

1.2 Avoidance, recovery and disposal of wastes produced by the activities 

1.2.1 The operator shall take appropriate measures to ensure that: 

(a) the waste hierarchy referred to in Article 4 of the Waste Framework Directive is applied to the generation of waste by the activities; and 

(b) any waste generated by the activities is treated in accordance with the waste hierarchy referred to in Article 4 of the Waste Framework Directive; and 

(c) where disposal is necessary, this is undertaken in a manner which minimises its impact on the environment. 

1.2.2 The operator shall review and record at least every four years whether changes to those measures should be made and take any further appropriate measures identified by a review. 

2. Operations 

2.1 Permitted activities 

2.1.1 The operator is only authorised to carry out the activities specified in table 2.1. 

2.1.2 The activities will be undertaken in accordance with appropriate measures specified in the following sections of the non-hazardous and inert waste appropriate measures guidance:  

• section 2 – General management 

• section 3 – Pre-acceptance, Acceptance & tracking 

• section 4 – Waste storage  

• section 5 – Waste treatment  

• section 6 – Emissions control (section 6 intro and sections 6.3.1 to 6.3.16, sections 6.4, 6.5 and 6.6) 

• section 7 – Emissions monitoring and limits (sections 7.1.2 and 7.1.3)

• section 9 – Waste minimisation, recovery and disposal 

2.1.3 All process plant and equipment shall be commissioned, operated, and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and shall be fully documented and recorded. 

Table 2.1 

Activity reference	Description of specified activity	Limits of specified activity
AR1 – waste transfer and treatment	R3: Recycling/reclamation of organic substances which are not used as solvents.  R4: Recycling/reclamation of metals and metal compounds.  R5: Recycling/reclamation of other inorganic materials.  D9: Physico-chemical treatment not specified elsewhere which results in final compounds or mixtures which are discarded by means of any of the operations numbered D1 to D8 and D10 to D12.  D14: Repackaging prior to submission to any of the operations numbered D1 to 13.	The activities are limited to the operation of a waste treatment and transfer station.  Treatment activities are limited to sorting, separation, screening, baling, shredding, crushing, compaction, and bulking.  Treatment does not include soil or aggregate washing or heat treatments.  The activities are limited as follows:  - no more than 75,000 tonnes of waste, shall be accepted per year;  - no more than 50 tonnes per day of waste may be treated for disposal.  There shall be no treatment of asbestos waste including compaction or compression by mechanical or manual means.  Treatment of waste batteries and shall consist of manual sorting only.  Treatment of WEEE shall consist of manual sorting only.
AR2 – storage of waste	R13: Storage of wastes pending any of the operations numbered R1 to R12 (excluding temporary storage, pending collection, on the site where it is produced)n   D15: Storage pending any of the operations numbered D1 to D14 (excluding temporary storage, pending collection, on the site where it is produced)n	Temporary storage of hazardous waste shall not exceed 50 tonnes.  No more than 15,000 tonnes of wastes listed in table 2.3a and any processed wastes derived from them shall be stored at any one time.  No more than 40,000 tonnes of wastes listed in table 2.3b and any processed wastes derived from them shall be stored at any one time. No more than a total of 10 tonnes of whole end of life tyres shall be stored at any time.  No more than a total of 10 tonnes of waste batteries shall be stored at any time.  Waste shall not be stored for longer than 6 months.

2.2 The site 

2.2.1 The activities shall not extend beyond the site, being the land shown edged in green on the site plan attached to the permit. 

2.2.2 The activities shall not be carried out within: 

(a) 500 metres of a European site, Ramsar, SSSI or Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ); 

(b) a groundwater source protection zone 1. 

2.2.3 The storage and treatment outdoors of wastes listed in table 2.3b shall not be carried out within: 

(a) 50 metres of a National Nature Reserve, Local Nature Reserve, Local Wildlife Site, Ancient woodland or Scheduled Ancient Monument; 

(b) 50 metres of a site that has species or habitats protected under the Biodiversity Action Plan that the Environment Agency considers at risk to this activity; 

(c) 250 metres within the presence of Great Crested Newts where it is linked to the breeding ponds of the newts by good habitat; 

(d) 10 metres of a watercourse; 

(e) a specified Air Quality Management Area designated for particulate matter PM₁₀. 

2.3 Waste acceptance 

2.3.1 Waste shall only be accepted at the site if all the following apply: 

(a) it is of a type listed in this rule and in Table 2.3a and 2.3b; 

(b) it conforms to the description in the transfer documentation supplied by the producer and holder; and 

(c) its chemical, physical and biological characteristics make it suitable for the treatment intended for it;  

(d) in the case of soils other than from domestic premises, the following information has been obtained: 

• information about the pollutants that could be present in the soil; 

• an assessment to determine if the soil has hazardous properties based on representative sampling and analysis; and

• confirmation of the appropriate waste code based on the assessment. 

2.3.2 Any waste that does not comply with rule 2.3.1 shall be rejected and: 

• removed from the site; or 

• moved to a designated quarantine area pending removal. 

2.3.3 Records demonstrating compliance with rule 2.3 shall be maintained and kept for at least 2 years. 

Waste quantities 

2.3.4 The total quantity of waste accepted at the site shall be less than 75,000 tonnes per year. 

Excluded wastes 

(a) Wastes that consist solely or mainly of dust, powder or loose fibres except for 20 01 41 wastes from chimney sweeping. 

(b) Wastes that are either sludges or liquids. 

(c) Lithium-ion traction batteries. 

2.4 Operating techniques 

2.4.1 The activities shall be operated using the techniques and, in the manner, described in the following sub-paragraphs. 

Technique 1 

All waste shall be kept secure. 

Technique 2 

All waste listed in Table 2.3a shall be stored, treated and handled on an impermeable surface with a sealed drainage system.  

Technique 3 

All sumps, tanks, lagoons and other collection points in the drainage system shall be inspected daily and managed so as to prevent the escape of contaminated water from the site.  

Technique 4 

With the exception of circumstances listed in Technique 5 and WEEE and battery wastes, all storage, treatment, and handling of waste listed in Table 2.3a shall occur within an enclosed building.  

Technique 5 

Covered containerised waste, baled and securely wrapped RDF, and baled wastes post treatment, may be stored either within a building, or in the open.   

Technique 6 

Storage bays and containers shall be regularly cleared and cleaned to prevent a build-up of aging waste. 

Technique 7 

If monitoring has indicated abatement is required; shredders treating waste containing persistent organic pollutants shall be fitted with an abatement system to capture particulates. The abatement system must be designed and maintained to ensure the emission does not exceed 5mg/m3 dust. Any filters shall be inspected and maintained in accordance with the manufacture’s specification and a record kept. 

Technique 8 

When shredding wastes: 

• the shredder speed shall be kept as low as practicable to minimise the production of fines and particulates; 

• the shredders and areas around them shall be inspected daily and managed to prevent the build-up of particulates;  

• hoods shall be installed on the shredder outlet points to reduce particulate release; 

• drop heights from the shredder outlet points and any conveyors shall be minimised;  

• mobile dust suppression units or static misting systems, shall be used to control point sources of particulates; 

• the dust suppression systems must be designed, sited, and maintained to minimise generation of particulates across the site. 

Technique 9 

Separately collected food waste shall be: 

• stored on an impermeable surface with sealed drainage system; 

• clearly identified and segregated from other wastes within a dedicated reception, storage, and handling area; 

• stored in either within an enclosed building, or within rigid sealed containers, sealed skips or sealed bulk trailers; and 

• removed from site by the end of the working day unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Environment Agency. 

Reception, storage and handling areas and the drainage systems where food waste is stored shall be designed so that they can be easily cleared and cleaned. These areas shall be cleaned at least weekly.   

All spillages of food waste shall be cleaned up as soon as practicable and in any event within an hour of them occurring.

Technique 10 

Hazardous waste shall not be mixed, either with a different category of hazardous waste or with other waste, substances or materials. 

Technique 11 

Asbestos wastes shall not be removed from its primary packaging (bags or wrapping). 

Asbestos waste shall: 

• be double bagged, or where necessary, securely wrapped; 

• be kept within clearly identified, segregated, sealed, secure, lockable bulk containers (for example skips) on an impermeable surface with sealed drainage system; and  

• not be stored loose or in bays. 

Asbestos waste shall not be transferred between different bulk containers. Bulk containers shall be locked when not being loaded and shall not be stacked. 

Technique 12 

WEEE waste shall be: 

• clearly identified and segregated; and 

• stored on an impermeable surface with sealed drainage system. 

WEEE that may be reused as whole appliances, or that may have components recovered from them for reuse, shall be stored under weatherproof covering to prevent the ingress of water.  

Any other WEEE containing hazardous material or fluids shall be stored under weatherproof covering where this is necessary to prevent pollution of water. 

Small mixed WEEE shall not be compacted or compressed during storage and preparation for transport. 

Technique 13  

Lamps shall be stored in lidded, rigid, leakproof and weatherproof containers. The containers must be designed and constructed so they do not distort or flex when being moved. Container lids must close fully without exerting pressure on the contents. 

Lamps shall be packed to minimise movement and the risk of breakage. Linear fluorescent tubes must be stored separately from other format bulbs. 

Technique 14 

Flat Panel Display equipment must be stored: 

• under weatherproof covering; and 

• in a way to minimise movement and prevent breakage such as in cages or stillages. 

Cathode ray tube equipment must be stored in such a way to minimise movement and prevent breakage.  

Technique 15 

Batteries shall be: 

• clearly identified and segregated from other wastes; and  

• stored in secure containers that are leak-proof.  

Containers must be closed or stored under cover to prevent the accumulation of rainwater. 

Lead acid batteries shall be stored upright in containers with an impermeable, acid-resistant base.   

Once sorted batteries of different chemistries shall be stored separately. Any lithium-ion batteries which have been sorted, are marked as a fire hazard and stored accordingly.

Technique 16 

Wastes listed in Table 2.3b shall be stored and treated on hardstanding, or on an impermeable surface with sealed drainage system. 

Technique 17 

Treatment of waste listed in Table 2.3b within 200 metres of a workplace or residential dwelling shall be carried out either within a building, or in accordance with the measures specified below: 

(a) enclosures or hoods shall be installed on feed hoppers and conveyor outlet points to minimise dust; 

(b) point-source water misting systems or water sprays shall be used over the feed hoppers and outlet points;  

(c) drop heights from equipment and conveyors shall be minimised to reduce dust;  

(d) dust suppression shall be used to control point sources of dust; 

(e) wind breaks shall be used to minimise wind whip and dust from stockpiles and the treatment area;  

(f) plant shall be inspected daily and managed to ensure it is operating to minimise the generation of dust; 

(g) plant and the areas around it and including access roads shall be cleaned to prevent dust generation.  

Technique 18 

Waste containing persistent organic pollutants shall be:  

(a) segregated from other wastes; and 

(b) stored on an impermeable surface with sealed drainage system. 

Improvement conditions 

Operators of existing facilities (permits issued before 18 December 2024) shall by 19 December 2025 comply with techniques 9 and 17. 

Operators of existing facilities (permits issued before 18 December 2024) shall by 19 June 2026 ensure their building is enclosed as defined in condition 4.4. 

3. Emissions and monitoring 

3.1 Emissions

3.1.1 There shall be no point source emissions to air, water or land except:  

(a) liquids may be discharged into a sewer subject to a consent issued by the local sewerage undertaker; 

(b) liquids may be taken off-site in a tanker for disposal or recovery;  

(c) clean (uncontaminated) surface water from roofs, or from areas of the site that are not being used in connection with storing, treating or handling waste, may be discharged directly to surface waters, or to groundwater by seepage through the soil via a soakaway; 

(d) from abatement systems associated with shredders operated in accordance with technique 7.  

3.1.2 Emissions of substances not controlled by emission limits shall not cause pollution. The operator shall not be taken to have breached this rule if appropriate measures, including, but not limited to, those specified in any approved emissions management plan, have been taken to prevent or where that is not practicable, to minimise, those emissions. 

3.1.3 The operator shall: 

(a) if notified by the Environment Agency that the activities are giving rise to pollution or are likely to do so, submit to the Environment Agency for approval within the period specified, an emissions management plan which identifies, prevents, and minimises the risks of pollution from emissions of substances not controlled by emission limits; 

(b) implement the approved emissions management plan, from the date of approval, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Environment Agency. 

3.1.4 All liquids in containers, whose emission to water or land could cause pollution, shall be provided with secondary containment. This must meet CIRIA C736 Containment systems for the prevention of pollution or an equivalent standard. 

3.2 Dust 

3.2.1 Emissions from the activities shall be free from dust at levels likely to cause pollution outside the site, as perceived by an authorised officer of the Environment Agency, unless the operator has used appropriate measures, including, but not limited to, those specified in any approved dust management plan, to prevent or where that is not practicable, to minimise, the dust. 

3.2.2 The operator shall:  

(a) if notified by the Environment Agency that the activities are giving rise to pollution outside the site due to dust, submit to the Environment Agency for approval within the period specified, a dust management plan;  

(b) implement the approved dust management plan, from the date of approval, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Environment Agency. 

3.3 Odour 

3.3.1 Emissions from the activities shall be free from odour at levels likely to cause pollution outside the site, as perceived by an authorised officer of the Environment Agency, unless the operator has used appropriate measures, including, but not limited to, those specified in any approved odour management plan, to prevent or where that is not practicable to minimise the odour. 

3.3.2 The operator shall: 

(a) if notified by the Environment Agency that the activities are giving rise to pollution outside the site due to odour, submit to the Environment Agency for approval within the period specified, a revised odour management plan which identifies and minimises the risks of pollution from odour;

(b) implement the approved revised odour management plan, from the date of approval, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Environment Agency. 

3.4 Noise and vibration 

3.4.1 Emissions from the activities shall be free from noise and vibration at levels likely to cause pollution outside the site, as perceived by an authorised officer of the Environment Agency, unless the operator has used appropriate measures, including, but not limited to, those specified in any approved noise and vibration management plan to prevent or where that is not practicable to minimise the noise and vibration. 

3.4.2 The operator shall: 

(a) if notified by the Environment Agency that the activities are giving rise to pollution outside the site due to noise and vibration, submit to the Environment Agency for approval within the period specified, a noise and vibration management plan which identifies and minimises the risks of pollution from noise and vibration; 

(b) implement the approved noise and vibration management plan, from the date of approval, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Environment Agency. 

3.5 Pests 

3.5.1 The activities shall not give rise to the presence of pests which are likely to cause pollution, hazard or annoyance outside the boundary of the site. The operator shall not be taken to have breached this condition if appropriate measures, including, but not limited to, those specified in any approved pests management plan, have been taken to prevent or where that is not practicable, to minimise the presence of pests on the site. 

3.5.2 The operator shall: 

(a) only use approved products for pest control; 

(b) treat pest infestations promptly; 

(c) reject pest-infested incoming waste;  

(d) if notified by the Environment Agency, submit to the Environment Agency for approval within the period specified, a pests management plan which identifies and minimises risks of pollution, hazard or annoyance from pests; 

(e) implement the pests management plan, from the date of approval, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Environment Agency. 

3.6 Fire prevention 

3.6.1 The operator shall take all appropriate measures to prevent fires on site and minimise the risk of pollution from them including, but not limited to, those specified in any approved fire prevention plan. 

3.6.2 The operator shall: 

(a) if notified by the Environment Agency that the activities are giving rise to a risk of fire, submit to the Environment Agency for approval within the period specified, a fire prevention plan which prevents fires and minimises the risk of pollution from fires; 

(b) implement the fire prevention plan, from the date of approval, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Environment Agency. 

4. Information 

4.1 Records 

4.1.1 All records required to be made by these standard rules shall: 

(a) be legible; 

(b) be made as soon as reasonably practicable; 

(c) if amended, be amended in such a way that the original and any subsequent amendments remain legible, or are capable of retrieval; and 

(d) be retained, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Environment Agency, for at least 6 years from the date when the records were made, or in the case of the following records until permit surrender: 

• off-site environmental effects; and  

• matters which affect the condition of the land and groundwater. 

4.1.2 The operator shall maintain convenient access, in either electronic or hard copy, to the records, plans and management system required to be maintained by this permit. 

4.2 Reporting 

4.2.1 All reports and notifications required by these standard rules shall be made in writing, using the contact details supplied by the Environment Agency. Where reports and notifications must be made immediately they may be provided verbally. 

4.2.2 Within one month of the end of each quarter, the operator shall submit to the Environment Agency using the form made available for the purpose, the information specified on the form relating to the site and the waste accepted and removed from it during the previous quarter. 

4.2.3 The operator shall keep records of the material exported from the site as non-waste including the type of material, the tonnage of material, the batch number and the date of export. This information shall be reported to the Environment Agency within one month of the end of each quarter and the records shall be maintained for at least 2 years. 

4.2.4 In the event: 

(a) that the operation of the activities gives rise to an incident or accident which significantly affects or may significantly affect the environment, the operator must immediately: 

• inform the Environment Agency; 

• take the measures necessary to limit the environmental consequences of such an incident or accident; and 

• take the measures necessary to prevent further possible incidents or accidents.

(b) of a breach of any rule the operator must immediately: 

• inform the Environment Agency; and 

• take the measures necessary to ensure that compliance is restored within the shortest possible time; 

(c) of a breach of any rule which poses an immediate danger to human health or threatens to cause an immediate significant adverse effect on the environment, the operator must immediately suspend the operation of the activities or the relevant part of it until compliance with the permit conditions has been restored.  

4.2.5 Written confirmation of actual or potential pollution incidents and breaches of rules shall be submitted to the Environment Agency within 24 hours. 

4.2.6 Following the detection of an event listed in rule 4.2.4, the operator shall review and where necessary revise the management system and implement any changes as necessary to minimise the risk of reoccurrence of the issue. 

4.3 Notifications 

4.3.1 In the event: 

(a) that the operation of the activities gives rise to an incident or accident which significantly affects or may significantly affect the environment, the operator must immediately: 

• inform the Environment Agency; 

• take the measures necessary to limit the environmental consequences of such an incident or accident; and 

• take the measures necessary to prevent further possible incidents or accidents. 

(b) of a breach of any permit condition the operator must immediately: 

• inform the Environment Agency; and 

• take the measures necessary to ensure that compliance is restored within the shortest possible time. 

(c) of a breach of permit condition which poses an immediate danger to human health or threatens to cause an immediate significant adverse effect on the environment, the operator must immediately suspend the operation of the activities or the relevant part of it until compliance with the permit conditions has been restored. 

4.3.2 Written confirmation of actual or potential pollution incidents and breaches of emissions shall be submitted within 24 hours. 

4.3.3 Where the Environment Agency has requested in writing that it shall be notified when the operator is to undertake monitoring and, or spot sampling, the operator shall inform the Environment Agency when the relevant monitoring and, or spot sampling is to take place. The operator shall provide this information to the Environment Agency at least 14 days before the date the monitoring is to be undertaken. 

4.3.4 Following the detection of an issue listed in rule 4.2.4, the operator shall review and revise the management system and implement any changes as necessary to minimise the risk of reoccurrence of the issue. 

4.3.5 The Environment Agency shall be notified within 14 days of the occurrence of the following matters except where such disclosure is prohibited by Stock Exchange rules: 

(a) Where the operator is a registered company: 

• any change in the operator’s trading name, registered name or registered office address; and 

• any steps taken with a view to the operator going into administration, entering into a company voluntary arrangement or being wound up; 

(b) Where the operator is a corporate body other than a registered company: 

• any change in the operator’s name or address; and 

• any steps taken with a view to the dissolution of the operator. 

(c) In any other case: 

• the death of any of the named operators (where the operator consists of more than one named individual); 

• any change in the operator’s name(s) or address(es); and 

• any steps taken with a view to the operator, or any one of them, going into bankruptcy, entering into a composition or arrangement with creditors, or, in the case of them being in a partnership, dissolving the partnership. 

4.3.6 The operator shall notify the Environment Agency, as soon as is practicable, in writing of any change of new combustion plant or generator at the site. 

4.4 Interpretation 

4.4.1 In these standard rules the expressions listed in 4.4.1 shall have the meanings given. 

‘accident’ means an accident that may result in pollution. 

‘approved competence scheme’ means a Government approved scheme which demonstrates an appropriate level of technical competence and complies with the conditions of their permit. 

‘accident’ means an accident that may result in pollution 

‘authorised officer’ means any person authorised by the Environment Agency under section 108(1) of The Environment Act 1995 to exercise, in accordance with the terms of any such authorisation, any power specified in section 108(4) of that Act. 

“CIRIA C736 Containment systems for the prevention of pollution” means the updated guidance published in 2014.   

‘D’ means a disposal operation provided for in Annex I to Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on waste. 

‘disposal’ means any of the operations provided for in Annex IIA to Directive 2006/12/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 April 2006 on Waste. 

‘emissions management plan’ (EMP) means a plan which is informed by a risk assessment and which sets out site-specific control measures to prevent and minimise the risk and impact of pollution due to emissions from the site. Different EMPs should be produced for different pollutants, for example, odour, noise and vibration, dust and particulates, mud, litter. These EMPs form part of the site’s management system. 

‘emissions of substances not controlled by emission limits’ means emissions of substances to air, water or land from the activities, either from the emission points specified in these standard rules or from other localised or diffuse sources, which are not controlled by an emission or background concentration limit. 

‘enclosed building’ means a construction designed to provide sheltering cover and minimise emissions of noise, particulate matter, odour and litter. It must be enclosed on all sides and doorways must be as small as practicable. 

‘European site’ means a European site within the meaning of Regulation 8 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, and refers to a candidate or Special Area of Conservation and proposed or Special Protection Area in England and Wales.  

‘groundwater’ means all water, which is below the surface of the ground in the saturation zone and in direct contact with the ground or subsoil. 

‘groundwater source protection zone 1’ means a zone within 50m of a point at which water is abstracted for domestic or food production purposes from any underground strata, or defined by a 50-day travel time for groundwater to reach a groundwater abstraction point that is used to supply water for domestic or food production purposes, whichever is larger. 

‘handled’ and ‘handling’ encompass all activities relating to waste except for its storage, and include treatment as well as transfer activities like loading, unloading and movement of waste within the site. 

‘hardstanding’ means ground surfaced with a durable permeable material. It must be capable of remaining level and rut free and being kept clear of debris. It must be maintained so that it does not cause surface water ponding.  

‘hazardous waste’ has the meaning given in the Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2005 (as amended). 

‘impermeable surface’ means a surface or pavement constructed and maintained to a standard sufficient to prevent the transmission of liquids through and beyond the pavement surface, and should be read in conjunction with the term ‘sealed drainage system’. 

‘List of wastes’ means the list of wastes established by Commission Decision 2000/532/EC replacing Decision 94/3/EC establishing a list of wastes pursuant to Article 1(a) of Council Directive 75/442/EEC on waste and Council Decision 94/904/EC establishing a list of hazardous waste pursuant to Article 1(4) of Council Directive 91/689/EEC on hazardous waste, as amended from time to time (including by decision 2014/955/EU).  

‘manual’ means hand sorting and separation of wastes.  

‘Marine Conservation Zone’ means a Marine Conservation Zone as designated under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009. 

‘Non-hazardous and inert waste: appropriate measures guidance’ means the Non-hazardous and inert waste: appropriate measures for permitted facilities guidance first published 12 July 2021 and updated on 1 August 2023. 

‘pollution’ means emissions as a result of human activity which may –  

(a) be harmful to human health or the quality of the environment 

(b) cause offence to a human sense 

(c) result in damage to material property, or 

(d) impair or interfere with amenities and other legitimate uses of the environment. 

Where pollution relates to an offence to the senses, this shall be as perceived by an authorised officer of the Environment Agency. 

‘quarter’ means a calendar year quarter commencing on 1 January, 1 April, 1 July or 1 October. 

‘R’ means a recovery operation provided for in Annex II to Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 November 2008 on Waste. 

‘recovery’ means any of the operations provided for in Annex IIB to Directive 2006/12/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 April 2006 on Waste. 

‘sealed drainage system’ in relation to an impermeable surface means a drainage system with impermeable components which does not leak and which will ensure that: 

(e) no liquid will run off the surface otherwise than via the system; 

(f) except where they may lawfully be discharged to foul sewer, all liquids entering the system are collected in a sealed sump. 

‘secure’ means that all reasonable precautions are taken to ensure that the waste cannot escape and that members of the public are unable to gain access to the waste. 

‘Site of Special Scientific Interest’ is within the meaning of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000). 

‘waste code’ means the six digit code referable to a type of waste in accordance with the List of Wastes and in relation to hazardous waste, includes the asterisk.  

 ‘year’ means calendar year ending 31 December. 

End of standard rules. 

Waste types

Table 2.3a Waste codes and descriptions 

02 Wastes from agriculture, horticulture, aquaculture, forestry, hunting and fishing, food preparation and processing

Waste code	Description
02 01	wastes from agriculture, horticulture, aquaculture, forestry, hunting and fishing
02 01 03	plant-tissue waste
02 01 04	waste plastics (except packaging)
02 01 07	wastes from forestry
02 01 10	waste metal

03 Wastes from wood processing and the production of panels and furniture, pulp, paper and cardboard

Waste code	Description
03 01	wastes from wood processing and the production of panels and furniture
03 01 05	sawdust, shavings, cuttings, wood, particle board and veneer other than those mentioned in 03 01 04
03 03	wastes from pulp, paper and cardboard production and processing
03 03 01	waste bark and wood
03 03 07	mechanically separated rejects from pulping of waste paper and cardboard
03 03 08	wastes from sorting of paper and cardboard destined for recycling

07 Wastes from organic chemical processes

Waste code	Description
07 02	wastes from the mfsu of plastics, synthetic rubber and man-made fibres
07 02 13	waste plastic

10 Wastes from  thermal processes

Waste code	Description
10 09	wastes from casting of ferrous pieces
10 09 03	furnace slag
10 09 06	casting cores and moulds which have not undergone pouring other than those mentioned in 10 09 05
10 09 08	casting cores and moulds which have undergone pouring other than those mentioned in 10 09 07
10 10	wastes from casting of non-ferrous pieces
10 10 03	furnace slag
10 10 08	casting cores and moulds which have undergone pouring, other than those mentioned in 10 10 07
10 11	wastes from manufacture of glass and glass products
10 11 03	waste glass-based fibrous materials
10 12	wastes from manufacture of ceramic goods, bricks, tiles and construction products
10 12 01	waste preparation mixture before thermal processing
10 12 12	wastes from glazing other than those mentioned in 10 12 11
10 13	wastes from manufacture of cement, lime and plaster and articles and products made from them
10 13 01	waste preparation mixture before thermal processing
10 13 04	wastes from calcination and hydration of lime
10 13 11	wastes from cement-based composite materials other than those mentioned in 10 13 09 and 10 13 10
10 13 13	solid wastes from gas treatment other than those mentioned in 10 13 12

12 Wastes from shaping and physical and mechanical surface treatment of metals and plastics

Waste code	Description
12 01	wastes from shaping and physical and mechanical surface treatment of metals and plastics
12 01 01	ferrous metal filings and turnings
12 01 03	non-ferrous metal filings and turnings
12 01 05	plastics shavings and turnings
12 01 13	welding wastes
12 01 17	waste blasting material other than those mentioned in 12 01 16
12 01 21	spent grinding bodies and grinding materials other than those mentioned in 12 01 20

15 Waste packaging; absorbents, wiping cloths, filter materials and protective clothing not otherwise specified

Waste code	Description
15 01	packaging (including separately collected municipal packaging waste)
15 01 01	paper and cardboard packaging
15 01 02	plastic packaging
15 01 03	wooden packaging
15 01 04	metallic packaging
15 01 05	composite packaging
15 01 06	mixed packaging
15 01 07	glass packaging
15 01 09	textile packaging
15 02	absorbents, filter materials, wiping cloths and protective clothing
15 02 03	absorbents, filter materials, wiping cloths and protective clothing other than those mentioned in 15 02 02

16 Wastes not otherwise specified in the list

Waste code	Description
16 01	end-of-life vehicles from different means of transport [including off-road machinery] and wastes from dismantling of end-of-life vehicles and vehicle maintenance (except 13, 14, 16 06 and 16 08)
16 01 03	whole end-of-life-tyres
16 02	wastes from electrical and electronic equipment
16 02 14	discarded equipment other than those mentioned in 16 02 09 to 16 02 13
16 02 16	components removed from discarded equipment other than those mentioned in 16 02 15
16 03	off-specification batches and unused products
16 03 04	inorganic wastes other than those mentioned in 16 03 03
16 03 06	organic wastes other than those mentioned in 16 03 05
16 06	batteries
16 06 01*	lead acid batteries
16 06 02*	ni-cd batteries
16 06 03*	mercury-containing batteries
16 06 04	alkaline batteries (except 16 06 03)
16 06 05	other batteries excluding li-ion traction batteries
16 11	waste linings and refractories
16 11 04	other linings and refractories from metallurgical processes other than those mentioned in 16 11 03
16 11 06	linings and refractories from non-metallurgical processes others than those mentioned in 16 11 05

17 Construction and demolition wastes (including excavated soil from contaminated sites)

Waste code	Description
17 02	wood, glass and plastic
17 02 01	wood
17 02 03	plastic
17 04	metals (including their alloys)
17 04 01	copper, bronze, brass
17 04 02	aluminium
17 04 03	lead
17 04 04	zinc
17 04 05	iron and steel
17 04 06	tin
17 04 07	mixed metals
17 04 10*	cables containing hazardous substances other than oil or coal tar
17 04 11	cables other than those mentioned in 17 04 10
17 06	insulation materials and asbestos-containing construction materials
17 06 01*	insulation materials containing asbestos
17 06 04	insulation materials other than those mentioned in 17 06 01 and 17 06 03
17 06 05*	construction materials containing asbestos
17 08	gypsum-based construction material
17 08 02	gypsum-based construction materials other than those mentioned in 17 08 01
17 09	other construction and demolition wastes
17 09 04	mixed construction and demolition wastes other than those mentioned in 17 09 01, 17 09 02 and 17 09 03

19 Wastes from waste management facilities, off-site waste water treatment plants and preparation of water intended for human consumption/industrial use

Waste code	Description
19 02	wastes from physico/chemical treatments of waste (including dechromatation, decyanidation, neutralisation)
19 02 03	premixed wastes composed only of non-hazardous wastes
19 02 10	combustible wastes other than those mentioned in 19 02 08 and 19 02 09
19 05	wastes from aerobic treatment of solid wastes
19 05 01	non-composted fraction of municipal and similar wastes
19 05 03	off-specification compost
19 12	wastes from the mechanical treatment of waste (for example sorting, crushing, compacting, pelletising) not otherwise specified
19 12 01	paper and cardboard
19 12 02	ferrous metal
19 12 03	non-ferrous metal
19 12 04	plastic and rubber
19 12 05	glass
19 12 07	wood other than that mentioned in 19 12 06
19 12 08	textiles
19 12 12	combustible wastes
19 12 12	mixtures of paper, cardboard, plastic glass and metal and other non-hazardous wastes from the processing of dry mixed recyclable and source segregated recyclable wastes.
19 13	wastes from soil and groundwater remediation
19 13 02	solid wastes from soil remediation other than those mentioned in 19 13 01

20 Municipal wastes (household waste and similar commercial, industrial and institutional wastes) including separately collected fractions

Waste code	Description
20 01	separately collected fractions (except 15 01)
20 01 01	paper and cardboard
20 01 02	glass
20 01 08	food waste
20 01 10	clothes
20 01 11	textiles
20 01 21*	fluorescent tubes and other mercury-containing waste
20 01 33*	batteries included in 16 06 01, 16 06 02 or 16 06 03 and unsorted batteries
20 01 34	batteries other than those mentioned in 20 01 33 not including li-ion traction batteries
20 01 35*	discarded electrical and electronic equipment other than those mentioned in 20 01 21 and 20 01 23 containing hazardous components
20 01 36	discarded electrical and electronic equipment other than those mentioned in 20 01 21, 20 01 23 and 20 01 35
20 01 38	wood other than that mentioned in.20 01.37
20 01 39	plastics
20 01 40	metals
20 01 41	chimney sweeping wastes
20 02	garden and park wastes (including cemetery waste)
20 02 01	biodegradable waste
20 03	other municipal wastes
20 03 01	mixed municipal waste
20 03 02	waste from markets
20 03 03	street-cleaning residues
20 03 07	bulky waste

Table 2.3b Waste codes and descriptions 

01 Wastes resulting from exploration, mining, quarrying, and physical and chemical treatment of minerals

Waste code	Description
01 01	wastes from mineral excavation
01 01 01	wastes from mineral metalliferous excavation
01 01 02	wastes from mineral non-metalliferous excavation
01 04	wastes from physical and chemical processing of non-metalliferous minerals
01 04 08	waste gravel and crushed rocks other than those mentioned in 01 04 07
01 04 09	waste sand and clays
01 04 13	wastes from stone cutting and sawing other than those mentioned in 01 04 07

02 Wastes from agriculture, horticulture, aquaculture, forestry, hunting and fishing, food preparation and processing

Waste code	Description
02 01	wastes from agriculture, horticulture, aquaculture, forestry, hunting and fishing
02 01 01	soil from cleaning and washing vegetables
02 03	wastes from fruit, vegetables, cereals, edible oils, cocoa, coffee, tea and tobacco preparation and processing; conserve production; yeast and yeast extract production, molasses preparation and fermentation
02 03 01	soil from cleaning and washing vegetables
02 04	wastes from sugar processing
02 04 01	soil from cleaning and washing beet

10 Wastes from thermal processes

Waste code	Description
10 11	wastes from manufacture of glass and glass products
10 11 12	waste glass other than those mentioned in 10 11 11
10 12	wastes from manufacture of ceramic goods, bricks, tiles and construction products
10 12 08	waste ceramics, bricks, tiles and construction products (after thermal processing)
10 13	wastes from manufacture of cement, lime and plaster and articles and products made from them
10 13 14	waste concrete

15 Waste packaging; absorbents, wiping cloths, filter materials and protective clothing not otherwise specified

Waste code	Description
15 01	packaging (including separately collected municipal packaging waste)
15 01 07	clean uncontaminated glass packaging

17 Construction and demolition wastes (including excavated soil from contaminated sites)

Waste code	Description
17 01	concrete, bricks, tiles and ceramics
17 01 01	concrete
17 01 02	bricks
17 01 03	tiles and ceramics
17 01 07	mixtures of concrete, bricks, tiles and ceramics other than those mentioned in 17 01 06
17 02	wood, glass and plastic
17 02 02	glass
17 03	bituminous mixtures, coal tar and tarred products
17 03 02	bituminous mixtures other than those mentioned in 17 03 01
17 05	soil (including excavated soil from contaminated sites), stones and dredging spoil
17 05 04	soil and stones other than those mentioned in 17 05 03
17 05 08	Track ballast other than those mentioned in 17 05 07

19 Wastes from waste management facilities, off-site waste water treatment plants and preparation of water intended for human consumption/industrial use

Waste code	Description
19 12	wastes from the mechanical treatment of waste (for example sorting, crushing, compacting, pelletising) not otherwise specified
19 12 05	clean uncontaminated processed waste glass
19 12 09	minerals (for example sand, stones)

20 Municipal wastes (household waste and similar commercial, industrial and institutional wastes) including separately collected fractions

Waste code	Description
20 02	garden and park wastes (including cemetery waste)
20 02 02	soil and stones