News

Environmental Update (November 2009)

Revised waste exemptions from environmental permitting consultation

The Government is revising the list of waste activities that are exempt from environmental permitting. Draft regulations have been published and are expected to come into force in England and Wales on 6th April 2010.

What changes will happen?

  • Exemptions will now be grouped under headings, i.e. waste use, treatment, disposal and storage at place of production.
  • Some higher risk activities will be regulated through standard permits.
  • Simple exemptions will need to be registered every 3 years.
  • There will be a registration charge to cover the Environment Agency's costs.
  • There will be less record keeping requirements for some exemptions.

Who will the exemptions affect?

The revised regulations will affect any business who:

  • Operates a waste recycling, recovery or disposal business.
  • Currently operates under an exemption.
  • Operate under an Environment Agency 'low risk position'.

If you think you may be operating without a waste exemption, call the 24/7 Mentor Environmental Advice Line on 0800 634 7006.