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Special Waste

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In Scotland, any waste with hazardous properties which could harm human health, or the environment is called "Special Waste". The procedures for disposing of, carrying, and receiving special waste are set out in the Special Waste Regulations 1996. These regulations are the principal piece of legislation covering special waste arising in Scotland.

All special waste produced in Scotland must be consigned using a special waste consignment note (SWCN) bearing a unique SEPA-issued code, regardless of its destination within the UK. Information on how we regulate and if these regulations apply to you can be found at the bottom of the page.

Special Waste Consignment Notes (SWCN)

SEPA is updating the format and process for submitting consignment notes. In addition, PDF formats, there is now an Excel version which is our preferred format. We are also requesting all SWCNs to be submitted electronically to SWCN returns, until further notice.

This move to digital notes is a step towards a UK-wide digital waste tracking (DWT) service. For more details about DWT, subscribe to the monthly newsletter or join the user panel.

SEPA’s excel and PDF SWCNs are available below for download and use. You may also choose to design your own note or use one from another source, but we advise you email SWCN enquiries first.

Regardless of what format you use, all notes must contain the information detailed in Schedule 1 of The Special Waste Regulations 1966 and a unique code from SEPA.

For more information on how to complete SWCNs, please refer to our guidance on consigning special waste.

Paper SWCNs

SEPA no longer supply paper SWCNs and We encourage waste holders to use digital SWCNs with a SEPA-issued unique code (SA/SB/SC). See below for purchase details.

There is no legal requirement to use a SEPA issued SWCN however the chosen format must meet the requirements of the Special Waste Regulations 1996 and should be in a form agreed by SEPA.

To discuss bespoke digital formats please email your proposal with an example (if applicable) to swcnenquiries@sepa.org.uk

SWCN Unique Codes

All SWCN formats must have a unique code supplied by SEPA. The code consists of two letters – SA, SB or SC – and a series of numbers, for example SA 1234567.

  • SA codes cost £15 each and are used for single movements or carriers rounds.
  • SB codes cost £10 each and are used for the consignment of special waste consisting only of lead acid motor vehicle batteries.
  • SC codes are free of charge and are restricted to extended carrier rounds, landings of offshore waste or the return of out-of-specification materials to the original manufacturer

SA, SB and SC codes can be purchased online. SWCN codes will be issued alongside your receipt. If you require SC codes please email swcnorder@sepa.org.uk

Essential contacts

For more information on consigning special waste, or if you require more guidance on complete a SWCN, please contact SWCN enquiries. If you are:

  • Submitting pre-notifications (see guidance for when this is applicable or required) contact SWCN
  • Sending completed copies of SWCN and carrier schedules contact SWCN returns
  • Enquiring about purchasing or obtaining SWCN codes (including if you are unable to purchase SA/SB codes online) contact SWCN orders

When exporting special (hazardous) waste to England, Wales or Northern Ireland for treatment, disposal or recovery, the consignee who receives the waste is required to send a copy of the completed deposit note to SEPA.

Producers in England, Wales or Northern Ireland should use the paperwork for their own country, completed in accordance with the relevant domestic legislation.

You do not need to register as a producer of special (hazardous) waste in Scotland.

Any movement of special waste – known as a consignment – is subject to regulation and must be monitored by its producer, consignor, carrier and consignee.

If you produce, collect, transport or dispose of special waste, you must comply with the regulations. Our guidance on consigning special waste explains operators’ obligations in more detail.

Do not use Landfill Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC) analysis for waste classification and hazardous waste assessment. It is only for landfill acceptance and does not determine if waste is hazardous or non-hazardous.

As part of your duty of care, you must classify the waste your business produces:

  • Before it is collected, disposed of, or recovered,
  • to identify the controls that apply to its movement
  • to complete waste documents and records
  • to identify authorized waste management options
  • to prevent harm to people and the environment

For detailed guidance on waste classification and assessment, refer to the Technical Guidance WM3 - Waste Classification: Guidance on the classification and assessment of waste

This guidance has been updated by SEPA in partnership with environment agencies for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Use this if you produce, manage, or regulate waste. Proper classification ensures selecting the correct code and determining if waste is hazardous or non-hazardous.