Changes to Waste Exemptions

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Alice Bathard (FCG WhiteAvon)

Waste exemptions are waste management activities which do not require an environmental permit. Most farms would require waste exemptions for low-risk activities such as using hardcore, dredging ditches, and burning waste.  Up until recently, these exemptions have been free of charge and easy to register for with the EA (Environment Agency).  However, last year it was brought to light that the EA plan to bring charges for waste exemptions with the aim of tackling “waste crime”.  Waste crime involves activities such as illegal waste sites, illegal dumping and abuse of waste permits and exemptions.  The aims of these charges are to recover costs of work on waste activities and reduce waste crime.

At an environmental update at the start of the year, the NFU outlined the reforms taking place from April 2025:

  • Waste exemptions will be organised into different risk categories
  • Waste exemptions will still need to be renewed every 3 years
  • A registration charge of £56 will occur
  • (15) Common farm exemptions will be £88
  • For most farms, this would mean a total charge of £144 every 3 years
  • Other businesses carrying out high-risk waste activities will face higher charges and may also require on-site inspections.

As compliance consultants, we often register clients for their waste exemptions as part of our service. Despite this now being an obstacle that may prevent us from doing so for some clients, we will still endeavour to do so.  Implementing charges for something which was once free never sits well, so will these charges have the desired effect and reduce waste crime?  Only time will tell.

Read more about the proposed waste exemptions here.

For your Farm Compliance issues, contact Alice at alicebathard@fcgagric.com or your local FCG Office.

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