The Regulations, which come into force on 15 May 2006, will require farmers to stop dumping or burning waste on their land.

A number of exemptions are in place or will be developed over the next 12 months which will allow farms to recycle or dispose of waste on-farm in certain cases. These will reflect current good farming practice, and farmers will be able to register for exemptions free of charge.

CIWM deputy chief executive Chris Murphy comments: Fine judgement has been used by policy makers in bringing the farming community into line with the requirements faced by other businesses while also recognising in exemptions the very specific practices of the agricultural sector. There has also been a regular flow of information and guidance to the farming community on compliance with the new regulations. Now is the time for the sector to live up to its responsibilities and make a real contribution towards truly sustainable waste management practices in England and Wales.’

Notes:

• Farmers have five options for dealing with their waste, which can be used on their own or in combination:
- store waste on-farm for up to 12 months
- take waste for recycling or disposal off-farm at a licensed site
- get an authorised waste contractor to take their waste away
- register license exemptions with the Environment Agency to recycle or dispose of their waste on-farm which can be done at any stage during the first 12 months of the regulations.
- Apply to the Environment Agency for a waste management license or a landfill permit to recycle or dispose of their waste on-farm. For most farmers obtaining a landfill permit for their farm dump will not be a viable option because of the engineering requirements and costs involved.

• Information on the regulations is available from the Defra website at: www.defra.gov.uk/environment/waste/topics/agwaste.htm Public enquiries should be directed to 08459 335577