Guidance

Register linear network waste exemptions

Register exemptions for waste activity along a stretch of road, railway, river or any other linear network.

Applies to England

Some waste activities take place along a waterway or stretch of land like a road, river, canal or path. These stretches are known as linear networks.

You need to register the relevant waste exemptions to carry out certain waste activities along a linear network.

There are only 4 waste exemptions you can register for waste activity along a linear network: 

How to complete the form

Read the guidance on this page before you go to the online registration form.

Areas where you carry out waste activity (operational areas)

The areas of waste activity along a linear network are known as operational areas.

When you register, your business details and exemptions will be the same for all your operational areas.

You’ll need to show where the operational areas are. You can show this in the form by either:

  • giving grid references for the start and end points of your waste activity
  • marking up the areas of activity on a map or plan

Grid references

If your operational areas have clear start and end points, give grid references to show where your waste activity starts and ends. Use the UK grid reference finder. Each grid reference has 2 letters followed by a 10-digit number.

Fill in the form with 2 grid references separated by a comma to show where an operational area starts and where it ends.

For example: AB1234512345, CD9876598765.

You’ll also need to give the name of the linear network and a short description of the operational area, noting nearby landmarks or any built or natural features that help identify the location.

You can add more than one operational area. Select ‘Continue’ at the end of each page to add more operational areas.

Maps

If you’re registering a complex range of networks, use a map or plan instead of giving grid references. You will need to mark clearly where your areas of waste activity are.

In the form, you can upload one or more maps in any of the following formats:

  • JPEG
  • PNG
  • PDF

Before you start your registration

You should have the following information ready: 

  • the waste exemptions you need
  • grid references of start and end points of each operational area, or a map marking out where the areas are
  • name, address and contact details of the person or business doing the waste activity 
  • company registration number and registered address if you’re a limited company or limited liability partnership

Start your linear network registration

Start

Next steps

The Environment Agency will contact you to discuss the registration and charges, and arrange payment. You can pay by credit or debit card or by bank transfer.

You’ll get a registration number and proof of payment.

Your registration will be valid for 3 years. You’ll get an email when it’s time to renew.

Waste exemption charges

Read guidance about waste exemption charges for full details of the charges and any discounts.

Read Waste exemptions: how to choose, register and pay

Updates to this page

Published 27 January 2026

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