New regulations: December
The latest legislation, guidance and consultation.
Legislation
Waste
4 December 2020
Scotland
The Waste (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Scotland) Regulations 2020 make various amendments to update references to EU legislation, change the date on which landfill operators must refuse to accept biodegradable municipal waste and require taking into account good practices when separately collecting waste oils. cedr.ec/7bx
Air quality
1 May 2021
England
The Air Quality (Domestic Solid Fuels Standards) (England) Regulations 2020 place restrictions on the sale of wet wood for domestic burning and limits on the emission of sulphur and smoke from manufactured solid fuels. It also phases out the sale of traditional house coal. cedr.ec/7c5
Planning
2 November 2020
Northern Ireland
The Planning Act 2011 (Review) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 set out terms of the review on how well the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 has met its objectives. This review was required three years after the Act had come into force, with subsequent reviews every five years. cedr.ec/7c6
Guidance
Waste
2 November 2020
Northern Ireland
Guidance has been produced by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs on carrier bags charging legislation in Northern Ireland. The Single Use Carrier Bags Charge Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013 have been in force since 8 April 2013, with a 20p levy now in place on all carrier bags. cedr.ec/7c1
Pollution
30 October 2020
Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales
Prevention New Guidance for Pollution Prevention (GPP1) aims to provide general information on preventing pollution to ensure legal compliance, reduce costs and appropriately manage risks. cedr.ec/7bu
Consultation
Energy conservation
14 October 2020
England, Wales and Scotland
A now-closed consultation sought views on proposals to extend the Warm Home Discount Scheme from 2021 to 2022, along with some minor changes. The Warm Home Discount Regulations 2011 come to an end in March 2021. These proposals extend the scheme for one year. cedr.ec/7by
Plastic waste
12 October 2020
Scotland
The Scottish government is seeking views on the introduction of new legislation to restrict the sale or commercial supply of plastic plates, plastic straws, plastic cutlery, polystyrene food and drink containers, plastic balloon sticks and products made from oxo-degradable plastics. cedr.ec/7bz
Fertilisers
3 November 2020
England
Defra is consulting on three policy options that give the greatest ammonia emission reductions from regulating the use or sale of solid urea fertilisers. These include an outright ban, the use of urease inhibitors, or restrictions on spreading. cedr.ec/7c3