Environmental Update (March 2010)

Changes to Waste Exemptions

The government is revising the list of waste activities that are exempt from environmental permitting.

The Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2009 have been published and will come into force on 6 April 2010.

What changes are being made?

Updated exemptions will be grouped under headings, e.g. waste use, treatment, disposal and storage at the place of production.

• Some higher risk activities will be regulated through standard permits.
• Simple exemptions will need to be renewed every three years.
• Fewer records will need to be kept for some exemptions.

Who will the revised waste exemptions affect?

The new regulations will affect any business if they

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

If you have an environmental permit, you may find that you only need an exemption under the new regulations.

If you have any questions relating to waste exemptions then please contact the Mentor 24/7 Advice line on 0800 634 7006.