Guidance: Temporary storage of waste sandbags after a flood: RPS 168
Summary
The Environment Agency has updated its regulatory position statement on the temporary storage of waste sandbags after flooding. The guidance confirms that an environmental permit may still be legally required, but enforcement action is unlikely if the stated conditions are met, including a new requirement to assess whether sandbags may be hazardous waste.
Why it matters
Residential property surveyors may encounter flood-damaged sites where sandbags are present and need to understand the waste handling implications. The update is relevant to post-flood inspections, advising clients, and identifying potential environmental compliance issues.
Key points
- Covers temporary storage of waste sandbags after a flood by local authorities or their agents
- Does not remove the legal requirement for an environmental permit where one is needed
- Environment Agency will not normally take enforcement action if RPS conditions are met
- Sandbags must now be assessed to determine whether they are hazardous waste
- Next review date is 30 September 2026
Organisations:
Environment Agency, GOV.UK
Regulations:
RPS 168, regulatory position statement
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