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Farm Waste

THE ENVIRONMENT AGENCY HAVE PUBLISHED A USEFUL GUIDANCE  DOCUMENT FOR FARMERS dealing with nutrients, soil, water management etc but not waste.

From the 6th April 2010, any new Environmental Permits, Exemptions, and variations have to be submitted under the new Environmental Permitting Regulations 2010.

Some of the new Exemptions are almost identical to Exemptions in the old system, some are similar but have different limits and conditions, and some are completely new.

If you import non-agricultural waste on farms for uses such as;

  • landspreading under an old paragraph 7 Exemption
  • composting under an old paragraph 12 Exemption
  • construction under an old paragraph 19 Exemption,
  • land reclamation under an old paragraph 9 Exemption

you had until 1st October 2011 to move across to the new system.

All other agricultural waste activities must have been registered according to the new system by 1st October 2013.

  • If you are carrying out waste activities under a low risk regulatory waste position (e.g. importing road planings for use on agricultural tracks and roads), you may now need to register an Exemption, or apply for a permit. Some of the old Exemptions have changed and will need permits on replacement.
  • All exemptions will now have to undergo regular renewal, at least every 3 years.
  • Many farmers registered their exemptions, when the law change on 15th May 2006 to make agricultural waste subject to the same controls as other sectors. These new requirements apply to all farmers who previously registered at this time.

Farmers affected by these Regulations will need to ensure:

  • They understand the requirements – Is your farm still operating within your existing Exemptions?
  • They allow time to apply for permits and planning if required – planning should be in place before a permit application is submitted. The whole process can take up to two years.
  • They register under the correct Environmental Permit or Exemption if they are applying for the first time – You should conduct a full review of your permitting requirements to ensure all activities are covered.

If you are affected by these requirements and need support, 360 Environmental can help. Please contact us using the form below.

(360 Environmental attending Ashby Agricultral Show July 2011)