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Agricultural waste is currently not classified as controlled
waste and as a result is exempt from the Environmental
Protection Act regulations relating to duty of care
etc. However through the adoption of the EC Framework
Directive on Waste the government is to extend legislative
control to certain types of agricultural waste.
Under the waste management regulations farmers who
dispose of waste covered by the licensing regulations
will have to apply to the Environment agency for a waste
management license. Holding a license brings with it
associated legal obligations and costs and it is expected
that farmers will find it cheaper and easier to get
someone else to deal with the waste.
The farmer will also be obliged to decide whether specific
waste types should be treated under the Special Waste
Regulations.
The majority of organic material arising as a by-product
of agriculture (such as livestock manure) will not be
classified as controlled waste and landspreading remains
the best practicable environmental option (BPEO) for
this type of waste. Guidance on the storage, management
and application of this waste is provided in the MAFF
publication
Codes of Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection
of Water, Soil and Air.
Cumbria Farm Plastics Recycling Scheme (FWAG)
The
Cumbria Farm Plastics Recycling Scheme has been
set up to co-ordinate collections of farm plastic waste
(silage bale wrap, silage sheeting, fertiliser bags).
The waste is collected, cleaned and recycled. Examples
of the products created from the recycled plastic are
large benches, picnic benches, fence posts, decking
and planters. Farmers pay a contribution dependent on
the amount they bring for collection. Collections are
usually in Auction Marts around the county. For further
information please email the project officer.
Sources of Information
Waste strategy 2000: England and Wales: part 2 - May
2000 - Sponsored by Available from the Stationary Office:
ISBN 0101469330: £20.00
Codes of Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection
of Water, Soil and Air. Can be ordered online form
DEFRA publications ordering service.
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