Modern and effective regulation

Managing waste through modern and effective regulation is essential to Scotland's success both now and for the future. In order to reduce waste production and to significantly increase the reuse, recycling and sustainable treatment of Scotland's waste, a modern and effective approach to regulation is required. We also need a system that people and businesses can trust and respect however the situation is complex as there are local, regional, national and global issues to consider.

Nevertheless, both SEPA and the Scottish Government wish to simplify the current system and maintain our current high levels of environmental and human health protection.

SEPA and the Scottish Government remain committed to the principles of better regulation. A regime designed around better regulatory principles should:

  • eliminate outdated or unnecessary provisions in legislation;
  • consolidate, streamline or merge regulatory regimes where possible;
  • base regulatory permitting, inspection and enforcement on sound risk principles;
  • ensure where companies break the law that enforcement can be swift and effective;
  • minimise the administrative burdens on companies and regulators wherever possible;
  • empower regulators to enforce regulations in a fair, consistent and proportionate manner;
  • promote best practice and advice to regulated companies wherever possible.

Find out more about Better Regulation

If you import, produce, store, transport, transfer, treat or dispose of waste, there are various regulations that you need to comply with to ensure that you don't get prosecuted.

In this section you will find out more about your responsibilities and how we protect the environment and human health from the effects of waste management and disposal.