# Special waste consignment note: the details for SEPA’s note Sections A to D of SEPA’s note, in its own wording, ready to copy across with your SEPA code.

> Prepare every item of SEPA’s special waste consignment note, Sections A to D, on your phone, ready to copy onto the note with your SA, SB or SC code.
> Web page: https://complyonsite.com/tools/special-waste-consignment-note

- Free, no account
- Scotland

## What is a special waste consignment note?

Scotland’s version of the hazardous waste consignment note. Waste with hazardous properties is called special waste there, and every movement of special waste produced in Scotland travels on a special waste consignment note (SWCN), wherever in the UK it is going.

Each note carries a unique code from SEPA: two letters and a number, such as SA 1234567. SA codes cost £15, SB codes £10 for loads of lead-acid batteries only, and SC codes are free for extended carrier’s rounds, offshore waste landed and out-of-specification material going back to its maker. Buy SA and SB codes online; ask for SC codes at swcnorder@sepa.org.uk.

## How to fill out a special waste consignment note

SEPA no longer supplies paper notes. Use its Excel note, which it prefers, or its PDF; another format must hold everything in Schedule 1 to the Regulations, and SEPA asks you to email swcnenquiries@sepa.org.uk with it first.

The consignor or holder fills in Sections A and B before the waste is removed. The carrier completes Section C on collection, the consignor confirms Section D, and the consignee completes Section E on receipt: the date and time, quantity received, vehicle, R or D operation and its licence or authorisation number. On SEPA’s note each party ticks to confirm their certificate.

Waste collected on a carrier’s round also needs a carrier’s schedule, which takes the place of Sections C and D for each collection.

## Pre-notification

SEPA does not expect pre-notification when the waste moves from one place in Scotland to another. Where it is needed, a copy with Sections A and B completed reaches SEPA at swcn@sepa.org.uk at least three working days (72 hours) and no more than one month before the waste is removed.

[SEPA’s special waste consignment note (PDF)](https://beta.sepa.scot/media/f2efwovf/special-waste-consignment-note-form.pdf)

## Questions

### How much is a SEPA consignment note code?

SA codes are £15, SB codes £10 (lead-acid batteries only), and SC codes are free for set cases. Codes come with the receipt when bought online. [SEPA special waste](https://beta.sepa.scot/topics/waste/special-waste/)

### How long should special waste consignment notes be kept?

At least three years from the day the waste was removed, for the consignor and the carrier. The consignee keeps its notes until its authorisation for the site ends. [Special Waste Regulations 1996, regulation 15](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1996/972/regulation/15)

### Do I need to pre-notify SEPA?

Not when the waste moves within Scotland. Otherwise, at least three working days and no more than a month before removal, by email to swcn@sepa.org.uk. [SEPA guidance on consigning special waste](https://beta.sepa.scot/media/yykajtfq/was-g-haz-02-consigning-special-waste.docx)

### Can the note be emailed instead of printed?

Yes. SEPA’s note can be passed between the parties by email, or printed and carried with the waste. Every party keeps its own copy, and the consignee emails the completed note to swcnreturns@sepa.org.uk. [SEPA’s note and its guidance](https://beta.sepa.scot/media/f2efwovf/special-waste-consignment-note-form.pdf)

### What if the waste is going to England or Wales?

It still travels on a SWCN with a SEPA code. The consignee there sends a copy of the completed note to SEPA. [SEPA special waste](https://beta.sepa.scot/topics/waste/special-waste/)

## Sources

- [Special Waste (SEPA)](https://beta.sepa.scot/topics/waste/special-waste/), read 6 October 2026
- [SEPA special waste consignment note, PDF version 4.3, with guidance notes](https://beta.sepa.scot/media/f2efwovf/special-waste-consignment-note-form.pdf), read 6 October 2026
- [SEPA guidance: consigning special waste (WAS-G-HAZ-02)](https://beta.sepa.scot/media/yykajtfq/was-g-haz-02-consigning-special-waste.docx), read 6 October 2026
- [Special Waste Regulations 1996, regulation 15 (Scotland)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1996/972/regulation/15), read 6 October 2026

## Other waste paperwork in the UK

- [NIEA hazardous waste consignment note: the details to copy across](https://complyonsite.com/tools/niea-hazardous-waste-consignment-note), Northern Ireland