Baseline Advice: Waste regs
THE impact of new waste regulations and how to manage their introduction without getting bogged down by the paperwork
The Problem – New restrictions – Packaging
THINK ABOUT how to reduce waste and change disposal practices now advises Mark Okuniewski, waste regulation policy manager at the Environment Agency.
Doing so will help avoid unnecessary expense when the new rules come into force.
The EA estimates the latest legislation will cost farmers £169-403 a year.
“The new controls will mean that uncontrolled burning and burying of waste, as well as the use of farm tips, will no longer be allowed,” says Mr Okuniewski.
“These controls implement EU legislation and already apply to other industries.
“So it means that farming is going to be subjected to the same rules as everyone else.”
The burning of plant matter can continue, he notes. “But there will be restrictions on the quantities.”
Farm tips will become subject to the Landfill Directive controls.
“Farmers will have the choice of whether to continue with them or shut them down.
“Getting the necessary permits is very onerous. So it won‘t be an option for many of the current tips.”
Taking waste off-site to a licensed facility has cost implications.
“DEFRA has calculated that the total cost of compliance for UK agriculture will be £45.9m a year. That‘s around 2% of farm income.”
Some wastes can be recycled on-farm and organisations have been working with farmers to develop recovery schemes, notes Mr Okuniewski.
“Good examples of on-farm recycling are demolition wastes used in roads and tracks, and old tyres on silage clamps.”
Packaging will be the biggest issue for most arable farmers, he believes.
“Farms produce 32,000t of waste plastic packaging every year and 10,000t of waste paper and card packaging.
“Much of this is seasonal waste and relates to when the products are being used.”
Putting pressure on suppliers to help is important.
“There are initiatives, some of which have been more successful than others.
“If you can take deliveries in bulk, or get suppliers to take away empty containers, then you will reduce waste and avoid some of the expense.”
Voluntary and statutory schemes may become commonplace, he believes.
“In Ireland, there‘s a statutory scheme for black plastic. A levy charged on the product pays for a national collection scheme.
“And there are discussions taking place in England to arrange a voluntary collection scheme for empty agrochemical containers.”
Help and further information is available from both the Environment Agency and DEFRA.
Look in the next issue of Farmers Weekly for the latest Baseline Advice.