New waste regulations bring end to uncertainty says NFU

The NFU says the long-awaited Waste Regulations launched today by Defra, bring a welcome end to the uncertainty for farmers about how they dispose of particular waste products on their farms.

The new regulations, which come into force on May 15 2006, will bring controls on agricultural waste in line with those applied to other businesses and industry sectors. The new regulations mean, among other things, farmers will no longer be able to use a farm tip and there will be controls on the burning of synthetic products.

NFU spokesperson on waste, Robert Caudwell, said: “Farmers take their environmental responsibilities seriously. We recognise practices like burning plastics on farm are not sustainable, so these new regulations clarify what we can and can’t do.

“The challenge now is to make sure farmers know and understand when the regulations take effect and what this means. This will require clear messages from Defra and the Environment Agency and a partnership approach by all industry stakeholders.

“The current proposal for the date of implementation, May 15, is insensitive, as it is the deadline set by the Rural Payments Agency for application forms for the Single Payment Scheme. In the weeks running up to this date farmers will be concentrating on getting their forms in. We now need to work hard to make sure farmers get the message about these important new regulations.”

Following the announcement today, the NFU will continue to work with other stakeholders and Government, through the agricultural waste stakeholder forum and the producer advisory group, to find practical and workable solutions to waste management on farms.

NFU research shows some farmers and growers are already undertaking good practices and taking part in existing local recycling initiatives. For example, last year, 74 per cent of farmers were transferring scrap metal to local dealers; 37 per cent were returning syringes and needles to vets; and 39 per cent were returning tyres to suppliers. But the NFU states this was happening because of good infrastructure and sensible systems already in place which make these activities practical and workable for farmers.

Mr Caudwell said: “We’re looking for ‘whole chain responsibility’ when it comes to improving the infrastructure surrounding collections and recovery of wastes from farms. So we’re working hard with the producers and the rest of the chain to look for solutions which will make dealing with this legislation simpler for farmers.”