THE AGRICULTURAL WASTE REGULATIONS

The Agricultural Waste Regulations are to be introduced in early 2006 and are in place to regulate and control how agricultural waste is now to be dealt with.

Agricultural waste is defined as a material which is seen to become "discarded". There will be no definitive list of "wastes". However, included are items such as pesticide containers, silage wrap, horticultural films, tyres, batteries and oil.

The unregulated burning and burying of agricultural waste in "farm tips" will be prohibited. Therefore, the use of farm tips must cease before the regulations come into force and cannot be used thereafter.

The use of drum incinerators will be phased out over the next 12 months when a complete ban will be in place.

In order to correctly and fully comply with the regulations, any material defined as waste must be dealt with by one of the following options:

1. Remove waste to an off-farm licensed site.
2. Transfer your waste to an authorised contractor for disposal or recycling.
3. Register a licensing exemption with the Environment Agency so the waste can be recycled on the farm.
4. Apply to the Environment Agency for a licence to continue on-farm disposal.

Manures and slurries will not be subject to the regulations provided that they are used for agricultural benefit and are a requirement for the crop and are applied in accordance with all other relevant regulations.

Some wastes may be defined as hazardous and special controls will be applied in these circumstances.

If you would like to discuss the Agricultural Waste Regulations and how they may affect your particular farming practice, then please feel free to contact Andrew Thompson or Robert Harrison at our Preston office and Mrs Nicola Vose at our Bolton office.