Farmers need to be on the lookout for a reminder from the Environment Agency warning them of the expiry date of any Agricultural Waste Exemptions.
Thousands of farmers will need to re-register for Agricultural Waste Exemptions over the next few weeks if they wish to continue practices such as burning hedge or tree cuttings in the open or using rubble to maintain tracks and roads around the farm.
Matthew Martin, associate farming consultant in the Shrewsbury office of Strutt & Parker, said: “Most farmers would have originally applied for their waste exemptions in 2013, but they only last for three years, so many are now coming to an end.
“All farmers who already have a waste exemption registration should get a postal reminder to re-register.
"However, they will only get one reminder even if they hold multiple exemptions.
“Fortunately, re-registering is a simple process and should only take a few minutes to complete.
"Earlier this year the Environment Agency rolled out a brand new digital service for registering waste exemptions online.
"“There is no charge for making an application and farmers can re-register anytime a month before their waste exemptions expire.
"Most people will need to apply during September or October if they have not done so already.”
Exemption to burn green waste
One who has already done so is Andrew Wigley, a dairy farmer living near Welshpool.
Andrew needs an exemption to burn green waste, import recycled waste paper for cattle bedding and to use building waste to create tracks, for example.
After hearing that he could register online he visited the NRW website and registered.
Andrew said: "Three years ago I registered for a waste exemption by post.
"But this time I thought I’d register online to save myself the trouble of completing a form by hand and posting it.
"I was very happy to find how easy it was – it took me less than 10 minutes.
"It’s good to tick this off my long list of things to do and I know that I am now OK to deal with my waste on the farm without a permit for the next three years."
