Waste exemptions at metals production and processing
You may need to register an exemption with your environmental regulator from waste management licensing if you carry out an exempt waste management activity.
Some exemptions do not need to be registered although you must comply with the exemption's conditions.
Activities exempt from waste management licensing
Exempt waste operations and exempt waste management activities which may apply to metals production and processing businesses include:
| Exempt waste activity or operation | Exemption reference | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | Scotland | ||
| Storing any waste (non-hazardous or hazardous/special) temporarily on the site where it is produced in a secure place for no longer than 12 months. For example, off-cuts, sand from casting processes. | Paragraph 41 There are quantity limits for storing hazardous waste. No need to register. |
Paragraph 41 There are quantity limits for storing special waste. No need to register. |
|
| Treating waste on the site where it is produced as long as you don't change the physical, chemical or biological nature of the waste. For example, baling, compacting, crushing or shredding waste paper or cardboard or cans. | Paragraph 27 No need to register. |
Paragraph 27 No need to register. |
|
| Heating metals and metal alloys to remove grease, oil or any other non-metal contaminant using a furnace with a total rated thermal input of less than 0.2 megawatts. | Paragraph 44 Must be registered. |
Paragraph 44 Must be registered. |
|
| Running a scrap metal furnace. | Paragraph 4 | Paragraph 2 Must be registered |
|
| Recovering scrap metal. | Paragraph 45 Must be registered. |
Paragraph 45 Must be registered. |
|
You must check whether your registered exemption needs to be renewed. Some registered exemptions last for as long as the activity is carried out while others may only last for 12 months.
If you are not sure whether you can register an exemption for your waste operation or waste management activity, or how long an exemption will last, contact your environmental regulator for further advice.
Further information on waste exemptions
Activities exempt from waste management licensing
Your environmental regulator provides more details about exemptions for metal production waste.
NIEA: Activities exempt from waste management licensing
SEPA: Activities exempt from waste management licensing