Agricultural
waste is currently not classified as controlled waste
and as a result is exempt from The EC framework Directive
on Waste, the Environmental Protection Act and regulations
relating to duty of care etc. However, the UK government
has been put under pressure by the European Commission
to fully implement the Framework Directive on Waste
into UK law and this requires that agricultural waste
be re-classified as controlled waste and therefore subject
to waste management legislation.
The new legislation will not apply to waste materials
already covered by other legislation, including manures,
animal carcasess and other natural non-hazardous substances.
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.
Farmers will also be obliged to decide whether specific
waste types should be treated under the Special
/ hazardous Waste Regulations.
It is expected that the new agricultural waste regulations
will come into force in September 2005
Links to further information
The
Environment Agency: Guidance on Agricultural Waste
DEFRA:
Agricultural Waste Forum
DEFRA:
Agricultural Waste FAQs
Soil
Association: changes to Agricultural Waste Legislation
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.
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