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Agriculture

SEPA’s role and responsibilities

To protect the environment, SEPA regulates agricultural activities, monitors land use activity, and promotes sustainable land management.

We work closely with farmers and other land managers to help them adopt best practice and protect Scotland’s biodiversity and habitats.

The principal environmental regulations which SEPA use to control agricultural activities in order to protect the environment are the Environmental Authorisation (Scotland) Regulations (EASR).

Do I need an authorisation?

From 1 November 2025 the regulatory framework changed. Many waste activities will fall under the Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations (EASR). You may need to switch to the new authorisations:

• If you spread waste materials (such as treated sewage sludge, digestate or other organic wastes) onto land for soil improvement, you’ll need to apply for a new EASR authorisation
• If you currently operate under older waste exemption rules (for certain activities), you will not be able to renew your exemption after 31 October 2025. You’ll need to move to the EASR framework and apply for a registration or permit by either the date your exemption expires or 1 November 2026, depending on which date comes first
• For lower risk activities (for example minor uses of waste tyres or certain farm by-products), there are low risk waste activity definitions. You may not need a full permit, but still must follow rules

Your existing authorisation or licence may either automatically convert to EASR, or you’ll need to apply for a new authorisation. You should check the new conditions, fees and whether your activity is still correctly authorised.

Diffuse pollution from agriculture

Agricultural waste

Agricultural waste refers to the materials produced from farming, livestock, and related activities. If not properly managed, agricultural waste can harm the environment. In Scotland, this may include:

• Crop residues (e.g. straw, stalks, and prunings) 
• Animal waste (e.g. fallen stock) 
• Silage effluent and wash waters 
• Empty agrochemical containers (pesticides, herbicides, fertilisers) 
• Plastic waste (e.g. bale wrap, polytunnels, netting) 
• Unused feed, seed, or expired veterinary products

Some of these materials can be safely reused or recycled, but others require careful handling to avoid pollution or legal penalties.

Environmental risks of poor waste management

Improper management of agricultural waste can have serious consequences for Scotland’s natural environment, including:

• Water pollution from slurry and fertiliser runoff into burns, rivers, lochs, and groundwater
• Air emissions, including ammonia and methane, contributing to climate change and air quality concerns
• Soil degradation due to chemical accumulation or erosion
• Plastic pollution from improperly stored or discarded agricultural plastics
• Threats to biodiversity and protected habitats

Managing agricultural waste

Waste from farming is treated like any other business waste in Scotland. Producers of agricultural waste have legal responsibilities. If you produce agricultural waste, you must:

• Store, handle, transport and dispose of waste safely to make sure it doesn’t harm the environment or human health
• Only pass waste to someone who is authorised to deal with it. For example, a registered waste carrier or appropriate transport or disposal firm
• Keep records of waste transfers known as waste transfer notes. These notes show that you passed waste to the right people

For more information on burning on-farm waste, managing agricultural special waste, and agricultural plastics, see our guidance.

Guidance on handling agricultural waste