RPS 65 Explained: Dewatering Street Sweepings

The Environment Agency’s RPS 65 provides temporary guidance on how operators can handle and dewater street sweepings without the need for a full environmental permit.

For many in the waste sector, it offers a more practical route for managing this specific waste stream - but only if certain conditions are met.

What is RPS 65?

RPS 65 (Regulatory Position Statement 65) allows operators to store and dewater street sweepings at a site without a bespoke permit, provided the activity follows strict criteria set by the Environment Agency.

Street sweepings typically contain a mix of materials, including soils, fines, litter and organic matter. Dewatering helps separate liquids from solids, making the waste easier to handle, treat or dispose of.

When can RPS 65 be used?

Operators can rely on RPS 65 if they meet the conditions outlined by the Environment Agency.

In general, this includes:

• The waste must be street sweepings only

• Activities must be carried out in a way that minimises pollution risk

• Liquids and residues must be properly contained and managed

• The site must be suitable for the activity

The RPS does not remove responsibility - operators are still expected to demonstrate that their processes are safe, controlled and compliant.

Important limitations to be aware of

RPS 65 is not a permanent solution.

It is a temporary regulatory position, meaning it can be withdrawn or changed by the Environment Agency. Operators must regularly check that the RPS is still valid and that they are working within its scope.

If activities fall outside of the conditions, a full environmental permit may be required.

What this means for operators

RPS 65 provides flexibility, but it also places responsibility on operators to ensure they fully understand and comply with the conditions.

In practice, this means:

• Knowing exactly what waste is being accepted

• Managing liquids and outputs correctly

• Keeping clear records of activities

• Being able to demonstrate control during inspections

For many sites, the key is ensuring that dewatering processes are well-managed, documented and clearly understood by the team on site.

A practical approach

Regulatory Position Statements like RPS 65 are designed to provide practical solutions where full permitting may not always be necessary.

However, they rely on operators taking a proactive approach to compliance.

Understanding the limits of the RPS, and ensuring processes stay within those limits, will be essential for any site using this approach.