The waste exemptions system and the general rules that apply.
What is a waste exemption?
A waste exemption is a waste operation that is exempt from needing an environmental permit. Exemptions can involve the use, treatment, disposal and storage of waste.
Each exemption has specific limits and conditions you need to operate within. These conditions cover things like:
- the types of waste you can use
- the quantities of waste you can use
- where waste must be stored, for example, in a container or building
Waste operations that comply with the limits and conditions of an exemption have a low risk of harming human health or the environment. For this reason, they are exempt from needing a permit.
Exemptions must be registered
If you want to operate under a waste exemption you must register that exemption with us. If you don’t, you will not be exempt from needing a permit.
Each registration lasts three years. The registration will then expire unless you re-register the exemptions you want to continue to use.
Purpose of registration
Registration is a type of self-certification. By registering you are telling us that you:
- have read and understood the limits and conditions that allow you to operate without a permit
- are carrying out your waste operation in accordance with those limits and conditions
- are not posing a risk to water, air, soil, plants or endangering human health
- are not causing a nuisance through noise or odours
Registering an exemption does not remove the need to apply for other permits or permissions. For example, you may need planning permission for your waste operation, or a water discharge permit.
It is your responsibility to make sure you have all the necessary authorisations for your waste operation.
Registration provides us with a picture of waste operations at a particular location. This helps us deal with complaints and pollution incidents. We can also check, where necessary, operators are complying with the conditions of their exemption.
If you do not comply with the conditions of an exemption you have registered, or if you damage the environment, we may take enforcement action against you.
Cost of an exemption
All waste exemptions are free, except for T11 (Repair and refurbishment of waste electrical and electronic equipment) which costs £840 for three years. This pays for the pre-registration and yearly inspections we have to do by law.
