The Welsh Government are changing waste exemptions with changes expected to come into force in April 2024, but it could be later. When the date is confirmed all exemption holders will be notified.
You can register for any exemption you currently need but, before you register, you must check how the changes affect you.
1. Exemptions will be removed
These exemptions will be removed from all holders three months after the legislation comes into force:
- T9 – Recovering scrap metal
- T8 – Mechanically treating end-of-life tyres
- U16 – Use of depolluted end of life vehicles (ELVs) for parts
If you want to continue these activities, you will need to apply for a waste permit before the exemptions are removed.
2. Exemption conditions will change
These exemptions will change, but at different times.
6 months after the legislation comes into force:
- T4 – preparatory treatments, such as, baling, sorting, shredding
- T6 – treating waste wood and waste plant matter
- T12 – manually treating waste
- D7 – burning waste in the open
12 months after the legislation comes into force:
- U1 – use of waste in construction
- S1 – storage in secure containers
- S2 – storage in a secure place
- Increasing storage limits in Non Waste Framework Directive exemptions
Find out what conditions will change
If you cannot meet the new conditions but want to continue these activities, you will need to apply for a permit before the exemption conditions change.
3. A waste permit and waste exemptions at the same site will not be allowed
Six months after the legislation comes into force, you cannot have a waste exemption and a waste permit for the same site, or directly linked sites next to it.
Directly linked sites have the same operator or use the same staff, equipment or infrastructure.
If you want to continue your exempt waste activities, you will have to apply to vary your permit before the six months is up.
4. Waste storage limits will change
If you have more than one exemption at a site, you can only store the lowest amount of waste allowed in any one of the conditions.
This means that if you have one exemption that allows 10 tonnes of a waste, and another exemption that allowed 20 tonnes of the same waste, you can only store 10 tonnes. The change will happen six months after the legislation comes into force.
5. You must keep records
When the legislation comes into force, you must keep records. Your records must show that you are complying with the exemption.
6. Get advice on permits
If you think you will need to apply for a permit, we recommend you get advice before you apply.
7. Continue to register your waste exemptions
Remember: you do not need to register exemptions for storing your own waste where it was produced. These activities are normally covered by non waste framework directive exemptions.
Find out more at: Natural Resources Wales / Check before you register
Register or renew at: Natural Resources Wales \ Waste Exemption
