National waste strategy for Scotland: EPA 1990 s. 44B
SEPA must prepare a national waste strategy for Scotland, consult industry and local authorities, and comply with Secretary of State directions.
SEPA shall as soon as possible prepare a statement (“ the strategy ”) containing its policies in relation to the recovery and disposal of waste in Scotland. SEPA may from time to time modify the strategy. Without prejudice to the generality of what may be included in the strategy, the strategy must include— a statement of SEPA’s policies for attaining the objectives specified in Schedule 2A to this Act; provisions relating to each of the following, that is to say— the type, quantity and origin of waste to be recovered or disposed of; general technical requirements; and any special requirements for particular wastes. In preparing the strategy or any modification of it SEPA shall consult— such bodies or persons appearing to it to be representative of the interests of industry as it may consider appropriate; such local authorities as appear to it to be likely to be affected by the strategy or modification, and may consult such other bodies or persons as it considers appropriate. Without prejudice to any power to give directions conferred by section 40 of the Environment Act 1995, the Secretary of State may give directions to SEPA— as to the policies which are to be included in the strategy; requiring it to carry out a survey or investigation into— the kinds or quantities of waste which it appears to it is likely to be situated in Scotland, the facilities which are or appear to it likely to be available or needed in Scotland for recovering or disposing of any such waste, any other matter which the Secretary of State considers appropriate in connection with its preparation of the strategy or any modifications of it. A direction under subsection (5)(b) above— shall specify or describe the matters or the areas which are to be the subject of the survey or investigation; and may make provision in relation to the manner in which— the survey or investigation is to be carried out, or the findings are to be reported or made available to other persons. Where a direction is given under subsection (5)(b) above SEPA shall, in accordance with any requirement of the direction— before carrying out the survey or investigation, consult— such bodies or persons appearing to it to be representative of planning authorities, and such bodies or persons appearing to it to be representative of the interests of industry, as it may consider appropriate; and make its findings available to those authorities. In this section— “ planning authority ” means an authority within the meaning of section 172 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973; “ strategy ” includes the strategy as modified from time to time and “ statement ” shall be construed accordingly. This section makes provision for the purpose of implementing Article 7 of the directive of the Council of the European Union dated 15th July 1975 on waste, as amended by— the directive of that Council dated 18th March 1991 amending directive 75/442/EEC on waste; and the directive of that Council dated 23rd December 1991 standardising and rationalising reports on the implementation of certain Directives relating to the environment.
Text in force at .
Source: legislation.gov.uk — The National Archives (legislation.gov.uk), reproduced under licence Open Government Licence v3.0.
What it actually says
SEPA (Scottish Environment Protection Agency) is required to produce a national waste strategy for Scotland. The strategy can be modified over time and must include policies to meet the objectives in Schedule 2A of the Act, covering waste types, quantities, origin, technical requirements, and special waste needs.
Before preparing or modifying the strategy, SEPA must consult with representatives of industry and any local authorities likely to be affected. It may also consult others. The Secretary of State can direct SEPA on what policies to include and can require SEPA to carry out surveys or investigations into waste quantities, facilities, or other relevant matters. Directions may specify the area and manner of investigation, and require consultation with planning authorities before the survey.
This section implements Article 7 of the EU Waste Framework Directive (75/442/EEC as amended) and applies only to Scotland. The equivalent for England and Wales is section 44A.
When it applies
- SEPA is drafting a new national waste strategy and must decide which industry bodies to consult.
- A local council in Scotland is affected by a proposed modification to the waste strategy and expects to be consulted.
- The Secretary of State issues a direction requiring SEPA to include specific policies on recycling targets in the strategy.
- SEPA is ordered to carry out a survey of waste disposal facilities in the Highlands and must consult planning authorities before starting.
- An industry association for waste management wants to ensure it is consulted during strategy development.
What this section does not say
- Individual waste licence applications or variations (covered by sections 36A, 37, etc.).
- Enforcement actions against waste sites (dealt with under sections 38, 42).
- The duty to collect household waste (section 45).
- Separate collection requirements for Scotland (section 45C).
Related sections
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This page reproduces the text of EPA 1990 s. 44B in force at the date shown and explains it in general terms. It is not legal advice and takes no account of the circumstances of your case, which can change the answer completely. For a live dispute, for limitation periods, and before taking any step in court, consult a qualified lawyer in England and Wales.