Waste exemptions for retail and wholesale
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 that may apply to retail and wholesale businesses include:
| Exemption reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Exempt waste activity or operation | 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, paper and cardboard, cans, glass, waste cooking oil or plastic packaging. | 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 where it is produced as long as you don't change the 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. |
| Treating waste plant matter or wood by chipping, shredding, cutting or pulverising waste at the place where it was produced. | Paragraph 21 Must be registered. |
Paragraph 21 Must be registered. |
| Composting biodegradable kitchen and canteen waste. | Paragraph 13 Must be registered. |
Paragraph 12 Must be registered. |
| Cleaning and storing waste textiles or clothes for recovery or reuse. | Paragraph 20 Must be registered. |
Paragraph 20 Must be registered. |
| Storing waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) other than at the place it was produced for recovery elsewhere. | Paragraph 40 Must be registered. |
Paragraph 48 Must be registered. |
| Repairing or refurbishing WEEE. | Paragraph 49 Must be registered. |
Paragraph 47 Must be registered. |
| Storing waste medicines and medical waste, such as hypodermic needles and syringes, at a pharmacy. | Paragraph 39 No need to register. |
Paragraph 39 Must be registered. |
If you dismantle waste vehicles as part of your business activities, please see our guidance for sites that accept waste vehicles.
If you sell food and drink you will have to dispose of food waste which may contain animal by-products. Check our guidance for retailers and wholesalers on food and catering waste to make sure you dispose of this waste correctly.
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.
Contact your environmental regulator
Further information on waste exemptions
NIEA: Activities exempt from waste management licensing
SEPA: Activities exempt from waste management licensing