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Using waste: waste exemptions

List of exemptions for using waste, for example as building material, fuel or fertiliser. You must comply with the specific rules of each exemption.

A waste exemption is a waste operation that is exempt from needing an environmental permit. Each exemption has specific limits and conditions you need to operate within.

If you want to operate under a waste exemption you must register that exemption with the Environment Agency. If you do not, you will not be exempt from needing a permit.

Each registration lasts 3 years. The registration will then expire unless you renew the exemptions you want to continue to use.

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. Find out more about environmental permits.

Waste exemptions are changing and this will affect anyone who carries out a waste exemption activity. Defra has published its consultation supplementary response document and associated annexes explaining these changes. It sets out which exemptions will be withdrawn or restricted. We expect changes to the exemptions will start to roll out during 2024 and continue into 2025 but timescales have not been finalised yet.

Using waste exemptions

Published 28 April 2014
Last updated 7 June 2019 + show all updates
  1. Minor changes to the page title and description to improve search results. This will help customers find relevant exemption guidance.

  2. First published.