Guidance

Storing, treating and using asphalt waste: RPS 157

Environment Agency regulatory position on when you can store, treat and use asphalt waste without an environmental permit.

• From: Environment Agency
• Published: 27 June 2019
• Last updated: 22 September 2025
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  1. 22 September 2025

     In section 'Conditions you must comply with to use treated AWCCT' under ‘You must only use treated AWCCT’ added information to final bullet: or clauses 810 to 880 for cement and other hydraulically bound mixtures within the Series 0800 – Road Pavements – Unbound, Cement and Other Hydraulically Bound Mixtures.

  2. 25 June 2025

     This RPS has been updated to: clarify where the RPS applies; include RPS 75 using treated asphalt waste; amend the quantities of asphalt waste containing coal tar (AWCCT) allowed for storage; introduce a requirement to notify the Environment Agency each time the RPS is used; and clarify the position for storage and treatment of non-hazardous bitumen-based asphalt waste (BBAW). It will next be reviewed by 31 December 2026.

  3. 4 February 2020

     We have added the following text: a) This regulatory position statement only applies to storing and treating asphalt at the same site where it is to be cold mix coated, and where the treatment consists of crushing, grinding, screening, grading or mixing. b) This RPS does not apply to any other activity, even if it is under the same legislation. You may still need other permits or licences for other activities you carry out. c) You must keep records for 2 years that show you have complied with this RPS. You must make these records available to the Environment Agency on request.

  4. 31 October 2019

     We have made minor changes for clarity. We have also included the definition of a sealed drainage system.

  5. 27 June 2019

     First published.

Documents

Storing, treating and using asphalt waste: RPS 157

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This regulatory position statement (RPS) does not change your legal requirement to have an environmental permit when you store and treat bitumen-based asphalt waste or asphalt waste containing coal tar (AWCCT) either:

• at a site with a Part B mobile plant permit from a local authority
• when you use AWCCT in construction activities

However, the Environment Agency will not normally take enforcement action if you do not comply with this legal requirement if you meet the requirements in the RPS.

The regulatory position does not apply to any other legal requirements.