Waste Exemption Guidance
Waste Exemptions can apply to some low risk waste operations that do not need an Environmental Permit.
Key Points
Waste Exemptions are free to register (except T11) and last 3 years.
Details about your company and the exemption will be added to the Environment Agency Public Register.
If you do not comply with the conditions , you will not be exempt and the activity will be illegal.
Types of Waste Exemption
Waste exemptions set out clear limits and conditions which you must follow.
If your waste activity does not meet the exemption conditions , you may need to apply for an Environmental Permit.
There are 4 categories of waste exemptions :
U - Using Waste (U1 - U16)
D - Disposing of Waste (D1 - D8)
T - Treating Waste (T1 - T33)
S - Storing Waste (S1 - S3)
Waste Exemption Changes 2026 – UK Waste Exemption Reforms Explained
Waste exemption changes introduced by the Environment Agency are tightening how exemptions can be used across the UK waste sector.
These reforms are designed to reduce waste crime and prevent exemptions being used as a substitute for environmental permits.
If you operate under a waste exemption, you should review your compliance position now.
Why Are Waste Exemptions Changing?
The UK Government and Environment Agency have identified that some exemptions were being used at a scale beyond their original low-risk intent.
The 2026 waste exemption reforms focus on:
• Preventing misuse of exemptions
• Increasing record-keeping requirements
• Restricting linked exempt and permitted activities
• Removing high-risk exemptions
These changes increase scrutiny on exemption holders.
Waste Exemptions Removed
The following exemptions have been withdrawn as part of the reforms:
•
U16 – Use of depolluted ELVs for parts
•
T8 – Mechanically treating end-of-life tyres
•
T9 – Recovering scrap metal
Operators previously relying on these exemptions must now operate under an appropriate Environmental Permit.
Waste Exemptions with Revised Conditions
Several exemptions remain in place but with tighter conditions and transitional arrangements:
•
U1 – Use of waste in construction
•
T4 – Preparatory treatments (baling, sorting, shredding)
•
T6 – Treating waste wood and plant matter
•
T12 – Manual treatment of waste
•
D7 – Burning waste in the open
•
S1 / S2 – Storage exemptions
Key changes include:
• Mandatory record keeping
• Restrictions on stacking exemptions
• Limits where exemptions operate alongside permitted activities
• Clarified volume and activity thresholds
Record-Keeping Requirements – Now Mandatory
All exemption holders must maintain records demonstrating compliance with exemption conditions.
You must be able to evidence:
• Waste types accepted
• Volumes handled
• Storage limits
• Duration of activity
• Compliance with exemption scope
Failure to maintain adequate records increases enforcement risk.
When Does an Exemption Become a Permit?
One of the most significant outcomes of the 2026 exemption reforms is the clearer boundary between:
• Low-risk exempt activity
and
• Activities requiring an Environmental Permit
If your operation:
• Exceeds revised thresholds
• Involves linked permitted activity
• Processes waste at commercial scale
• Relies on multiple stacked exemptions
You may now require a permit.
What Waste Operators Should Do Now
✔ Review registered exemptions
✔ Compare operations against updated conditions
✔ Assess cumulative site activity
✔ Confirm record-keeping systems are robust
✔ Seek advice if uncertain
Proactive review reduces enforcement risk and ensures continuity of operation.
Need Advice on Waste Exemption Compliance?
If you are unsure whether your waste exemption remains appropriate under the 2026 reforms, we can:
• Assess compliance risk
• Review operational scope
• Advise on exemption vs permit positioning
• Manage permit applications
Early action protects your operation.
