Compliance · Scotland

Special Waste Consignment Notes in Glasgow

In Scotland, hazardous waste is called special waste and must travel with a consignment note. Here is how the system works for Glasgow customers.

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Some waste is harmful enough to need closer control from the moment it leaves your premises to the moment it reaches a licensed facility. In England and Wales this is called hazardous waste. In Scotland it is known as special waste, and it is governed by the Special Waste Regulations, which are regulated by SEPA.

Every movement of special waste must be accompanied by a consignment note. Typical examples in Glasgow include asbestos from refurbishment work, waste oils from garages and workshops, chemicals from laboratories and cleaning operations, and some batteries and fluorescent tubes.

When you arrange a special waste collection through Skips Glasgow, the licensed partner handling it deals with the documentation. To discuss a collection, call 0333 121 1056 or use our quote form.

How the consignment note system works

A consignment note tracks special waste from producer to destination. It describes the waste, its hazardous properties and quantity, and records the producer, the carrier and the receiving site. Each party completes its part of the note as the waste moves, and copies are retained.

SEPA uses this information to monitor where special waste goes. The note helps make sure the waste is handled by people who know what it is and arrive at a facility authorised to accept it.

What you need to do

As the producer, your main responsibilities are to describe the waste accurately, keep different special wastes apart, store them safely, and use a licensed carrier. You should keep your copies of consignment notes as part of your records.

  • Do not mix special waste with general waste or a skip
  • Keep containers labelled and sealed
  • Tell us exactly what the waste is when requesting a quote
  • Retain your copy of each consignment note

Our licensed partners handle the documentation and will confirm what they need from you.

Common special wastes we can help with

We can arrange collections for many special waste streams across Glasgow, including asbestos, chemical waste, waste oil and contaminated soil. See our hazardous waste disposal hub for the full range.

When requesting a quote, include as much as you can: what the waste is, how it is packaged, approximate quantities and any safety data sheets. This helps the partner plan the right vehicle, containers and documentation.

Special Waste Documentation – your questions answered

Can’t see your question? Call 0333 121 1056 or send us a message.

Is special waste the same as hazardous waste?

Broadly, yes. Special waste is the term used in Scotland for waste that is hazardous. The paperwork and rules differ from those in England and Wales.

Can special waste go in a skip?

No. Special waste must not be mixed with general waste. It needs a separate, appropriate collection and a consignment note.

Who fills in the consignment note?

The licensed partner handling your collection manages the documentation and will ask you for the details they need about the waste. You should keep your copy.

Does a waste transfer note cover special waste?

No. Waste transfer notes are for ordinary waste. Special waste moves with a consignment note instead – see waste transfer notes for the difference.

Get a quote

Get a free, no-obligation quote

Tell us what you need, where and when. Photos, data sheets or site plans help us price accurately – our licensed local partners do the rest.

Prefer to talk? 0333 121 1056

Skips Glasgow provides skip hire, waste collection, recycling and construction support across Glasgow through Waste Cloud’s network of licensed local partners.