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 similar commercial waste that can decompose, such as:
- Food and garden waste
- Paper and cardboard
- Certain textiles
These materials contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions when landfilled, particularly methane, a powerful environmental pollutant.
The Legal Framework
The ban is part of Regulation 11 of the Landfill (Scotland) Regulations 2003, as amended in 2012.
This regulation aligns BMW with other waste types already prohibited from landfill, such as:
- Tyres
- Liquid waste
- Infectious clinical waste
The legislation provides:
- A definition of BMW
- Treatment thresholds that must be met before disposal
- Guidance on residual waste limits
You can read the full regulations on the UK legislation website: Landfill (Scotland) Regulations 2003
Guidance and Oversight
SEPA (Scottish Environment Protection Agency), has issued guidance for landfill operators and waste management professionals.
The guidance includes:
- BMW sampling and analysis requirements
- Standards for pre-treatment of waste
- Criteria for residual waste to be deemed acceptable
SEPA’s role will be critical in ensuring compliance and supporting operators through this transition.
What does this mean for waste operators and Local Authorities?
- Waste sorting and treatment facilities will need to ensure BMW is diverted to appropriate processing methods such as composting, anaerobic digestion, or recycling.
- Residual waste streams must be carefully managed to stay below contamination thresholds.
- Investment in infrastructure may be necessary to handle the increased processing demand.
A step towards a better future
This ban supports Scotland’s broader goals to:
- Cut landfill emissions
- Promote material recovery
- Reduce the environmental footprint of waste
By eliminating BMW from landfills, Scotland is aligning with best practices in environmental sustainability and setting an example for waste reduction strategies.