Waste Management

Significant change is on the horizon for environmental compliance in Scotland. SEPA’s new Environmental Performance Assessment Scheme (EPAS) is set to be introduced in 2026, bringing a new approach to environmental performance reporting. The EPA Scheme will be fair and consistent, simple and understandable, efficient and automated (where practicable)  For businesses operating within the water, industrial activities, waste management and radioactive substances sectors, understanding how EPAS will impact day-to-day operations, commercial planning, and long-term compliance strategies is essential.  […]

Albion Environmental is delighted to announce that we have been named UK Business of the Year: Gold (2–49 staff) at the prestigious Investors in People Awards 2025.  Earlier this month, some of the team travelled to London to attend the IIP Awards 2025, joining over 750 people from across the UK who are committed to creating outstanding workplaces. To be recognised on

During our recent EASR webinar, a question was raised regarding waste exemptions applicable to community pharmacies, particularly in relation to the acceptance of date-expired medicines and the operation of needle exchange services.   This article aims to clarify the regulatory framework and provide guidance on relevant exemptions and requirements.    Waste Exemptions and Community Pharmacies  One

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has issued a Temporary Regulatory Position Statement (TRPS) to clarify its approach to enforcing the forthcoming ban on landfilling Biodegradable Municipal Waste (BMW) in Scotland.  The landfill ban, established under the Landfill (Scotland) Regulations 2003 and carried forward under Schedule 13 of the Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018 (EASR),

From 1 November 2025, water, waste management and industrial activities will be regulated under the Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018 (EASR). This replaces the current framework and bring in a new, tiered approach to authorisations:  General Binding Rules (GBRs) – low risk activities, no application needed  Notifications – SEPA informed for certain low-risk activities  Registrations

Albion are delighted to have played a part in regulatory approval – following our support in preparing and submitting a detailed procedure manual and technical evidence. Our client, J&R Scotland Ltd has successfully achieved regulatory approval from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) to use poultry litter ash (PLA) and sand from an incineration site

What are the new the Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018 (EASR) that will fully replace the current system of exemptions and permits?  Big changes are coming to environmental regulation in Scotland. Starting 1 November 2025, the majority of environmental authorisations in Scotland will be replaced by the updated Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations (EASR).   Under EASR, authorisations

The Scottish Government has published a new report that provides a detailed overview of Scotland’s current and planned waste reprocessing infrastructure. This is a significant and timely piece of work that helps clarify where Scotland stands in terms of its capacity to process waste domestically — and what more is needed to support the country’s

What you need to know  Effective from 31 December 2025, landfill operators across Scotland will no longer be permitted to accept biodegradable municipal waste (BMW) for disposal. This milestone marks a significant step in Scotland’s journey toward a circular economy and sustainable waste management.  What is Biodegradable Municipal Waste (BMW)?  BMW typically includes household and

Last year, we explored the varying cost of garden waste permit costs across Scotland’s councils.   In 2024, 21 out of 32 councils charged residents for brown bin collections—a move aimed at recovering costs but fraught with inconsistency.   In 2025, that number has grown, and many councils have revised their pricing, frequencies or service periods.   This