Waste Disposal Licences

To contact the Environmental Protection Unit to find out more information please call +44 1624 685535 or email environmentalprotection@gov.im

Waste Disposal Licencing

The majority of waste management facilities are licensed by way of a Waste Disposal Licence (WDL) under the Public Health Act 1990. The Environment Protection Unit must consult the Public and relevant organisations on applications for Waste Disposal Licenses or Directions (for government sites), including variations (changes).

The objective of the waste management licensing system is to ensure that waste management facilities do not:

• Cause pollution of the environment
• Cause harm to human health
• Become seriously detrimental to the amenities of the locality

To apply for a Waste Disposal Licence complete the relevant WDL application form and submit to the Environmental Protection Unit with a Working Plan for the waste operations. Details of what to include in a Working Plan can be found in the Producing a Working Plan document.

All WDL applications out for public consultations can be found on the WDL public consultation page.

Waste Disposal Licencing Exemptions

 Not all waste activities or the use of waste requires a WDL. Such activities that are exempt but still require an approved exemption from the Environmental Production Unit include:

• Land spreading - Compost
• Land spreading - Agricultural benefit
• Land spreading – Sewage sludge pellets
• Land spreading – Non-agricultural land
• Land spreading – Soil & Stones
• Vessel breaking – Ships in Manx harbours
• Other activities may be considered

To apply for an exemption, submit the relevant WDL Exemption Form with supporting information to the Environmental Protection Unit.

Please contact the Environmental Protection Unit if you are unsure if your waste activity requires a Waste Disposal Licence or an Exemption.

Waste operations that have either a WDL or exemption are listed in the WDL Register. 

All applications and WDL queries should be sent to: