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 – standard conditions for moderate risk activities
- Permits – bespoke conditions for higher risk activities
This means change is coming for businesses operating under waste management licence exemptions, waste management licences, PPC permits and waste carrier licences.
What Does This Mean for Businesses?
- Exemptions: Any current waste management exemptions will need to be reapplied for under the EASR framework from when they expire or 31st October at the latest. These authorisations maybe under GBR’s, notifications, registrations or permits depending on the scale and type of the activity.
- Licences & Permits: Existing licences and permits have transitioned into the EASR framework. Any variations will be applied for under the EASR Framework.
- Waste Carriers: From November 2025, transporting waste (your own or others’) will require a new EASR registration, with additional conditions such as waste acceptance checks and providing authorisation references to customers.
How Albion Can Help
To support businesses through this change, Albion Environmental offers 1-to-1 Business Support Sessions. These tailored compliance and strategy workshops are designed for senior management teams, providing:
- A focused review of your current licences and exemptions.
- Clear insight into how EASR will impact your operations.
- Identification of risks, costs, and compliance obligations specific to your business.
- Practical next steps and an action plan tailored to your organisation.
Where appropriate, the session can also include toolbox talks or briefing materials to help cascade key messages to operational staff and sales teams.
Albion Environmental can support businesses through the questions raised e.g. what to apply for, what to include, what forms to complete, how to apply.
Why Act Now?
Acting now means:
- More time to prepare applications and avoid delays.
- Reduced risk of non-compliance.
- Greater certainty in planning for future costs and operational impacts.
- Demonstrating proactive leadership to regulators, clients, and stakeholders.
Book Your Session
Albion’s tailored business support sessions are available immediately, with both in-person and remote options.
📞 Call us today on 01292 610428
✉️ Email: info@albion-environmental.co.uk
💻 Learn more: Albion Environmental Website
Take control of regulatory change – and turn compliance into an opportunity for business resilience and growth.