Special Waste Amendment (Scotland) Regulations 2004 SSI 112

The Special Waste Amendment (Scotland) Regulations set out controls on storing and disposing of ’special waste‘ in Scotland. They amend the Special Waste (Scotland) Regulations 1996 SI 972.

Special waste is hazardous waste which may be harmful to human health or the environment. Examples include asbestos, lead acid batteries, electrical equipment containing hazardous components such as cathode ray tubes, oily sludge, solvents, fluorescent light tubes, chemical wastes and pesticides.

The regulations apply in Scotland only.

What are the Special Waste Amendment (Scotland) Regulations?

The regulations require anyone who moves special waste to complete a five-page Special Waste Consignment Note (SWCN). Every SWCN must have a unique code that you can buy from SEPA. The code consists of two letters – SA, SB or SC – and a series of numbers.

Who do the Special Waste Amendment (Scotland) Regulations affect?

The regulations affect:

  • producers who produce the special waste
  • consignors who remove or transport special waste from the place where it is being held (this can also be the producer)
  • carriers who transport special waste between the premises of the consignor and the consignee.
  • consignees who receive special waste for treatment, disposal or recovery at a licensed/permitted facility – for example, a treatment facility or landfill site.

All of these people must complete sections of the SWCN.

What do you have to do?

Anyone producing, transporting or disposing of special waste is responsible for completing special waste consignment notes.

See our guidance on:

Who enforces the regulations?

SEPA enforces the regulations. You can be fined by SEPA if you fail to comply.

Further information