This page provides links to key pieces of relevant environmental legislation. Most of the links will direct you to the Office of Public Sector Information (OPSI) or Statute Law Database (SLD) websites.
It is important to remember that different parts of the UK have variations in environmental laws.
The future legislation section provides details of environmental legislation that is due to come into force as well as information on proposed developments in environmental law:
Future legislation
If you are implementing an environmental management system (EMS) for your business, you can use this list of key legislation to start compiling your legislation directory. Remember to check other environmental topics for legislation that may relate to your business activities.
Environmental management systems and environmental reports
All environmental topics
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Establishes the Environment Agency and SEPA as the regulatory bodies for contaminated land, control of pollution, conservation or enhancement of the environment and fisheries.
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Establishes in England, Scotland and Wales the structure and authority for waste management and control of emissions into the environment.
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Covers applications for waste management licences, which authorise the deposit, disposal and treatment of controlled waste. Includes conditions on the use of certain mobile plant.
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Amends 1992/55 and 1994/1056 by classifying (along with other legislation) scrap metal as controlled waste for duty of care under the Environmental Protection Act 1995.
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Amends 1994/1056 by classifying scrap metal as controlled waste under the Environmental Protection Act 1995.
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Amends 1994/1056 by making mammalian protein (protein from animals) and mammalian tallow (fats from animals) as exempt from waste management licensing.
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Amends 1994/1056 to state that someone with particular qualifications is 'technically competent' under waste management licencing regulations.
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States that managers of specified waste facilities operated by local councils are 'technically competent' if they meet certain age and experience criteria.
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Amends 1994/1056 to redefine environmental licences, sets out qualifications needed to manage waste activities covered by waste management licences, registering exempt activities eg land treatment and reclamation and storing building waste.
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Amends 1994/1056 to set out waste management licensing exemptions for activities including storing and spreading sludge, land reclamation, recovery operations at sewage treatment works, and composting biodegradable waste.
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Amends 1994/1056 to align it with regulations to control activities affecting the water environment in Scotland.
Further information
The current environmental legislation lists provide links to key environmental statutes and regulations.
Current environmental legislation
For further information on relevant legislation contact your environmental regulator or local council.
Contact your environmental regulator
Contact your local council
