Waste exemptions were implemented to provide a light touch and proportionate approach to regulation and facilitated farmers who wanted to prevent waste from going to landfill by undertaking small-scale waste recovery operations. In some circumstances, they provide an opportunity for the farm-business to diversify and also reduce costs involved with hiring a waste contractor to remove waste from the farm.
The NFU appreciates that some waste operators exceed limits set in waste exemptions and action must be taken to tackle this issue; however it is important this does not affect the vast majority of farmers compliant with waste exemptions. As a result the NFU is hoping to produce a number of case studies demonstrating their benefit.
Common examples of waste exemptions which are used by farmers include:
- Small-scale on farm plastic recycling facilities;
- Use of tyres for silage clamps and to protect farm buildings;
- Spreading small amounts of waste to land- including dredgings from canals and rivers, mushroom compost, soil from fruit and vegetable washings and ash from biomass boilers;
- Use of construction and demolition material to construct farm tracks;
- Burning small amounts of green waste in the open;
- Some small-scale anaerobic digestion plants;
- Using paper pulp or sawdust for animal bedding;
We are also asking members for any views they have in favour of restricting the scope of exemptions. For example if a local exempt waste site has any impact on your business, or if you feel you are more frequently the victim of fly-tipping due to exempt waste sites in the area.
If you are interested in discussing the benefits of the use of the exemptions you have, and any impact from it becoming permitted by the Environment Agency, please contact bWFydGluLnJvZ2Vyc0BuZnUub3JnLnVr