Many recycling and waste businesses across Scotland currently operate under Paragraph 11 or Paragraph 48 Waste Management Licensing Exemptions.
Under the Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations (EASR), these Simple Waste Exemptions are being replaced by EASR Registrations.
Existing simple exemptions will no longer apply after 1 November 2026, meaning operators must obtain the appropriate EASR Registration if they wish to continue operating.
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11 applies to activities involving the:
- Baling
- Sorting
- Shredding
of specified recyclable wastes such as:
- Cardboard
- Paper
- Plastics
These activities are commonly carried out at recycling facilities, waste transfer stations and manufacturing sites.
Paragraph 48
Paragraph 48 covers the:
- Storage of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
pending recovery or treatment elsewhere.
This exemption is frequently used by retailers, manufacturers, local authorities and waste management businesses.
What does EASR mean?
Rather than relying on a Waste Management Licence Exemption, operators will need an EASR Authorisation issued by SEPA.
Applications may require supporting information relating to:
- Site management
- Site infrastructure
- Drainage arrangements
- Operational controls
Starting the process early will help ensure your registration is in place before the transition deadline.
Albion Environmental can help
We are already assisting operators across Scotland with:
- Reviewing existing exemptions
- Preparing EASR Registrations
- Producing supporting documentation
- Liaising with SEPA throughout the application process
Albion Environmental offers a free initial exemption review, helping you identify which EASR authorisation applies to your activities and highlighting any documentation or infrastructure that may be required before submitting an application to SEPA.
If you’re unsure whether Paragraph 11 or Paragraph 48 applies to your business, get in touch for an initial review.
📞 01292 610428
📧 janebond@albion-environmental.co.uk