Collection: National operator waste returns

Updated: The Environment Agency has published the materials facility combined waste returns spreadsheet. They’ve removed the PDF form for paper returns to encourage electronic submissions. The paper form is still available by request. They’ve also removed the out of date waste returns spreadsheet guide.

Operators with an environmental permit must complete waste returns to tell the Environment Agency about the waste they have received or removed from their site.

The Environment Agency uses this information to:

  • monitor a site’s compliance with its environmental permit conditions
  • compile national statistics about waste

How to complete your waste return

You can complete your return in 1 of 3 ways:

  1. Use the Generic Operator Returns spreadsheet to upload or enter your data.
  2. Email your waste returns spreadsheet.
  3. Request a paper form from the Environment Agency – call 03708 506 506 (see call charges) or email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk.

Deadlines for submitting waste returns

Quarterly returns

Quarters Deadline for return
1 January to 31 March 30 April
1 April to 30 June 31 July
1 July to 30 September 31 October
1 October to 31 December 31 January

Yearly returns

Annual return period Deadline for return
1 January to 31 December 31 January of the following year