The Environment Agency’s General Binding Rules

The Environment Agency’s General Binding Rules (GBRs) are a set of legal requirements in England that apply to small-scale sewage discharges—such as from septic tanks or small sewage treatment plants—when these systems discharge to the ground or surface water (like rivers or streams). They are called "binding rules" because they are automatically applicable and do not require a permit if followed correctly.

Who do the GBRs apply to?

They apply to anyone who:

Owns or uses a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant (also known as a package treatment plant),

Discharges less than 2 cubic metres per day (for discharge to ground) or less than 5 cubic metres per day (for discharge to surface water),

Is located in England (Wales and Scotland have different rules).

Key Requirements of the General Binding Rules

 

Here’s a summary of the main rules:

🔹 Correct Installation and Use

The system must be installed properly (to British Standards where applicable).

It must be correctly sized and maintained to treat the volume of waste being discharged.

Only domestic sewage (e.g. from toilets, showers, sinks) is allowed.

🔹 Regular Maintenance

The system must be emptied (desludged) regularly by a registered waste carrier—usually once a year.

You must maintain the system to ensure it continues to operate properly.

🔹 Discharge Location Rules

Discharge to Surface Water (like rivers or ditches): Only package treatment plants are allowed to discharge to surface water—not septic tanks.

If you have a septic tank discharging to a watercourse, you must upgrade it (either replace it with a treatment plant or connect to mains sewer if possible).

Discharge to Ground (through a drainage field): Septic tanks are allowed if the discharge is to a properly designed and maintained drainage field (not a soakaway pit, which is not compliant).

🔹 Limits and Restrictions

No pollution or flooding must result from your system.

You must not discharge in a groundwater Source Protection Zone 1 (SPZ1).

The daily discharge volume must be under the legal thresholds (2 m³/day for ground, 5 m³/day for surface water).

Your system must not be located too close to buildings, watercourses, or boreholes.

🔹 Register or Apply for a Permit (If Required)

If you cannot meet the General Binding Rules (e.g. if you discharge more than allowed or are in an SPZ1), you must apply for an environmental permit from the Environment Agency.

How to Check Compliance

To check if you're compliant, ask yourself:

Where does your system discharge—ground or surface water?

What type of system do you have?

Is it being maintained and emptied regularly?

Is it causing pollution or nuisance?

If any of these are unclear or if you're non-compliant, contact the Environment Agency or a qualified drainage professional.

What Happens If You Don’t Comply?

Failure to comply with the General Binding Rules can result in:

Enforcement action by the Environment Agency

Fines

Orders to upgrade, replace, or remove your system