Agriculture is vital for our food supply, but it also generates a significant amount of waste. Understanding and adhering to agricultural waste regulations is not just about avoiding fines. It’s about minimising our impacts on the environment.
This guide will equip you with the knowledge to make informed, sustainable decisions about your farm’s waste.
What Are Agricultural Waste Regulations?
Agricultural waste regulations are rules that govern how farmers manage, store, and dispose of waste from farming. These regulations aim to protect the environment and human health. They also promote sustainable farming practices.
Before 2006, agricultural waste was excluded from waste controls in the UK. Now, the legislation that applies to household, commercial, and industrial waste also applies to agricultural waste. This change has greatly affected how farmers must handle their waste.
The diverse range of agricultural waste encompasses the following materials and substances:
- Plant waste like crop leftovers and prunings
- Animal waste, such as manure and slurry
- Plastic waste like silage wrap and fertiliser bags
- Hazardous waste, such as pesticide containers and used oil
- Scrap metal and fold machinery
Key Regulations and Directives
The main regulations affecting agricultural waste in the UK include:
- The Waste Framework Directive: This EU law sets the basic ideas for the management of waste with the ‘waste hierarchy’. The waste directive puts waste prevention, reuse, and recycling before disposal.
- The Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011: These rules bring the EU directive into UK law. They outline the duty of care for anyone who handles waste.
- The Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016: These cover various environmental permits, including those for waste management.
- The Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005: These define hazardous waste and set out rules for managing it.
Waste Management Responsibilities for Farmers
Farmers have several duties under the above agricultural waste regulations:
1. Duty of Care
Farmers have a legal duty of care to ensure that any waste they produce is stored, transported, and disposed of safely and legally. This duty applies to all types of waste, including agricultural waste.
2. Waste Hierarchy
Farmers must apply the waste hierarchy to minimise the environmental impact of waste. This means they should prioritise waste prevention, reuse, and recycling over disposal.
3. Waste Storage
Waste must be stored safely and securely to prevent pollution or harm to human health. Different types of waste may have specific storage requirements. For instance, controlled waste may need to be stored separately from other types.
4. Waste Transfer
When transferring waste to another party, farmers should ensure these parties are authorised to receive it. Farmers must also complete a waste transfer note for each load of non-hazardous waste and keep records for at least two years.
5. Hazardous or Special Waste
If you produce hazardous waste, you must follow extra regulations. For example, you must register with the Environment Agency if you produce more than 500 kg of hazardous waste annually.
Waste Exemptions and Permits
Some agricultural waste management activities may be exempt from waste management licensing. These exemptions allow farmers to carry out certain waste operations without needing a permit. But they must still register these exemptions with the Environment Agency.
Common exemptions for agricultural activities include:
- U10: Spreading waste to benefit agricultural land
- U11: Spreading waste to benefit non-agricultural land
- T23: Aerobic composting and associated prior treatment
- D7: Burning waste in the open
If your waste management activities don’t fall under an exemption, you may need to apply for an environmental permit.
The Role of Incineration in Agricultural Waste Management
Incineration can be invaluable for managing farm waste, especially for materials that can’t be recycled or reused. Farm incinerators, like those offered by Inciner8, are designed to help farmers comply with waste regulations while efficiently managing their waste.
Farm incinerators handle various types of farm waste, including:
- Animal by-products
- Crop leftovers
- Contaminated packaging
- Certain types of hazardous waste
Benefits of Incineration for the Disposal of Farm Waste
- It can significantly reduce the volume of waste, minimising storage and transportation needs.
- High-temperature incineration effectively destroys pathogens, reducing the risk of disease spread.
- Some incinerators can recover energy from waste, contributing to farm energy needs.
- Proper incineration helps farmers meet agricultural waste regulations and pollution prevention requirements.
Recent Changes and Future Outlook
Waste rules are always changing. It’s essential for farmers to keep up to date with these changes and any new regulations that might affect how they manage waste.
Since Brexit, the UK government has been actively reviewing and updating waste regulations. Notably, the Environment Act 2021 introduces new measures for waste and resource efficiency. The Waste and Agriculture Legislative Functions Regulations 2022 aim to ensure a smooth transition of environmental regulations post-Brexit.
The Welsh Government has introduced the Agriculture (Wales) Act 2023. This legislation aims to support farmers in relation to Wales’ sustainable land management goals.
Partner with Inciner8 for Full Compliance with Regulations
Knowing your duties and following proper waste management practices can help create a more sustainable farming sector.
At Inciner8, we’re here to help farmers meet their waste management needs while following regulations. Our agricultural incinerators are DEFRA-type approved. They can handle a wide range of farm waste streams, from livestock bedding to fallen animals. We understand that farm waste can be extremely varied, which is why we offer solutions suitable for farms of all sizes.
For more information about our incinerators, please contact our friendly team. We can also provide guidance on the latest legislation. You’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re compliant with current regulations.
