Waste activities
We are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of our activities and there is still a long way to go before Scotland has a truly sustainable approach to the management of waste.
SEPA has a duty to protect the environment and human health from the effects of waste management and disposal. To do this, we:
- licence and monitor waste management facilities such as landfills and incinerators
- administer producer compliance schemes for particular waste streams
- regulate the international shipment of wastes
- respond to pollution incidents and fly-tipping
Tackling illegal waste management activities – which can cause significant environmental harm and loss of business for responsible operators – is one of our major priorities. In partnership with police forces and other agencies, we undertake targeted operations to tackle:
- illegal landfill sites
- unlicensed skip hire operators
- large scale and persistent dumping of waste
- unlawful collection, storage and breaking of scrap cars
- unauthorised collection, storage and export of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE)
We also aim to make doing the right thing, including complying with the law, as clear and straightforward as possible for everyone. Our waste webpages provide more information about how waste management is regulated.