The Waste Data Strategy

SEPA implemented the Waste Data Strategy in 2000 to ensure a consistent approach at a national level to the collection, validation, recording and reporting of waste data for Scotland. In 2008 a review of the strategy was carried out at the request of the Scottish Government. Its aim was to ensure that the continually increasing Scottish, UK and European scope of wastes information requirements were met for the foreseeable future.

Accurate, up-to-date waste data are required by SEPA to:

  • Aid national policy development by Scottish Government
  • Monitor change and policy impact
  • Assist regulatory activity and Better Waste Regulation
  • Support the National Waste Plan
  • Meet internal and external reporting requirements

SEPA produces comprehensive data on a wide range of wastes. However, if the information you are seeking is not available on the waste data pages please contact waste.data@sepa.org.uk with your request.

Information on municipal waste is gathered through WasteDataFlow, a web-based system used by all Scottish local authorities to report their waste arisings, recycling and disposal. It also provides data to monitor the quantity of biodegradable municipal waste landfilled under the Landfill Allowance Scheme.

Commercial and industrial waste data are obtained from three main sources: quarterly returns from all licensed/permitted waste management sites, special waste consignment notes and annual returns from certain activities exempt from waste management licensing. In addition, SEPA has carried out two national surveys to gather information on waste produced by businesses. Specific reports have also been produced on selected waste streams and industry sectors.

SEPA is responsible for Scotland’s contribution to the UK dataset for the European Union Waste Statistics Regulations. This requires all Member States to report data on the generation and treatment of waste to the Commission every two years.

Annually, SEPA publishes the Waste Data Digest which reports information and trends on controlled waste arisings, recovery and disposal.

To meet planning needs, Strategic Waste Management Reviews have been carried out in each of the eleven Waste Strategy Areas in Scotland.  These provide details of all waste managed in the area, as well as site infrastructure and capacity.