UK – farmers urged to manage waste better

Farmers are urged to stop burning and burying their rubbish in preparation for new waste regulations, as part of new guidance issued by the Environment Agency.



Rebecca Favager, Waste Policy Advisor at Environment Agency Wales said: "We want to help farmers get to grips with how to deal with waste correctly and we want them to act now so they are ready for when the new regulations start in early 2006. Our new guidance, online recycling directory and advice line will help farmers get ahead of the game."



The regulations have two main impacts:





Before the regulations come in, farmers should stop burying waste on farm – this means stop putting waste on farm dumps/tips

As the regulations come in, farmers should stop burning most wastes in the open air – farmers will still be able to burn vegetation and untreated wood but not materials such as plastics, tyres, wood treated with preservatives.

However, help is at hand for farmers who want to know more about how to reduce, recycle and dispose of their waste properly. Farmers can:





Read the new guidance in full on this website

Visit the online Waste Recycling Directory at www.wasterecycling.org.uk

Farmers can quickly find their nearest option for recycling, treating or disposing of their waste. Call the Environment Agency dedicated agricultural waste help line on 0845 603 3113. A leaflet with tips on how to minimise waste can also be requested.



There are 5 basic options for dealing with waste. These can be used either on their own or in combination.





Store waste for up to 12 months only

Take the waste to a recovery or disposal site

Get a waste contractor to take the waste away

Register with the Environment Agency for any licence exemption you may need so you can treat your waste on site in a way that doesn‘‘t require a Waste Management Licence. More details will be available when the regulations come in and there will be a 12 month period in which to register these exemptions.

Obtain a Waste Management Licence or a Pollution Prevention and Control (PPC) Permit. NB This option is not advised unless the farmer is looking into waste management as a new business opportunity