The landscape of waste management is evolving, and with the upcoming changes to waste exemptions expected in 2025, it’s crucial for businesses holding waste permits to stay informed.
Understanding Waste Exemptions
Waste exemptions allow certain waste operations to be carried out without an environmental permit. However, each exemption comes with specific limits and conditions that must be adhered to. The UK government provides a comprehensive list of waste exemptions, categorised into four main types: using waste, disposing of waste, storing waste, and treating waste.
The 2025 Shift
In 2025, significant changes to waste management regulations are expected to take place. The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has released a consultation supplementary response document detailing which exemptions will be withdrawn or restricted1. While the exact timescales have not been finalised, it’s clear that the waste management sector will undergo substantial modifications.
Key Changes to Anticipate
- Withdrawal of Certain Exemptions: Some current exemptions may no longer be available, requiring operations to either cease or apply for a full environmental permit.
- Restriction of Exemption Limits: The conditions and limits of certain exemptions may become more stringent, requiring additional infrastructure or reducing the scope of what can be done without a permit.
- Removal of Exemptions on Permitted Sites: As part of the regulatory update, exemptions will no longer be allowed on sites, or next to sites, with an environmental permit. Should the currently exempt activities still be required by the operator, a variation to the environmental permit will be required to include these activities.
Transition Periods and the Importance of Timely Planning
As we approach the 2025 changes in waste exemptions, it’s important to note that there will be a transition period for each type of exemption. These transition periods are designed to give waste exemption and permit holders adequate time to adjust to the new regulations. However, it’s crucial to be aware that some timeframes may be as short as three months.
| Exemption | Change | Transition Period |
|---|---|---|
| U1 – Use of wastes to construct and maintain surfaces and barriers | Changing conditions | 12 months |
| U16 – Use of depolluted ELVs for parts | Removal | 3 months |
| T4 – Preparatory treatment of waste | Changing conditions | 6 months |
| T6 – Treatment of waste wood and plant matter | Changing conditions | 6 months |
| T8 – Mechanically treating end-of-life tyres | Removal | 3 months |
| T9 – Recovery of scrap metal | Removal | 3 months |
| T12 – Manual treatment | Changing conditions | 6 months |
| D7 – Burning of vegetation at the site of production | Changing conditions | 6 months |
| S1 – Temporary storage of waste in secure containers pending recovery elsewhere | Changing conditions | 12 months |
| S2 – Temporary Storage of waste at a secure site pending recovery elsewhere | Changing conditions | 12 months |
| Prohibiting the use of exemptions at/adjacent to permitted sites | – | 6 months |
| Limiting the number of exemptions registered at a site | – | 6 months |
| Compulsory requirement for operators to keep and make records available on request | – | Immediately |
| Requirement for operators to keep records in an electronic format | – | Immediately |
| Changes to waste codes | – | Immediately |
Why Early Planning is Essential:
- Adapting Permits: If your operations require adjustments to include environmental permit variations or applications, the process may take longer than the transition period.
- Avoiding Non-Compliance: Late planning could lead to non-compliance, which might result in penalties or disruptions to your business operations.
- Ensuring Continuity: Timely adaptation ensures that your waste management processes continue uninterrupted.
Next Steps
Familiarise yourself with the detailed changes and how they may impact your current exemptions.
Seek advice from environmental consultants or legal experts specialising in waste management regulations.
If you need to apply for new permits or modify existing ones, do so well before the transition period ends.
By starting your planning and preparation now, you can ensure a seamless transition to the new waste exemption framework set for 2025. Proactive measures will safeguard your operations against future regulatory shifts and contribute to the broader goal of sustainable waste management.
Ready to Update Your Permit?