Reusing or recovering waste
4. How do I register for an exemption?
Who should register the exemption?
Anyone can register an exemption, as long as the person registering the exemption has the permission of the landowner or occupier.
The person who registers the exemption is responsible for meeting its conditions, whether that person is the farm owner, tenant or contractor.
It makes sense that the person with the responsibility for the activities being carried out on the farm should register the exemption.
How much will it cost?
Registration of agricultural waste exemptions is free.
How often do I have to register?
For simple exemptions you only have to register once. Your registration remains active as long as you are carrying out the activity at the location you specified.
For complex exemptions you will have to re-notify the Environment Agency annually.
How can I register?
Environment Agency exemptions pack
You can register by completing the Environment Agency's exemption registration pack. Call 0845 603 3113 to receive a copy.
The exemptions pack contains:
- summaries of each exemption, including examples of agricultural activities they might cover
- exemptions form for you to complete
- frequently asked questions on exemptions.
Once you have returned the completed form to the Environment Agency, they will write to you to confirm the exemptions you have registered. If they were unable to register any of your exemptions, they will tell you why.
Whole Farm Approach
Farmers can also register online using Defra's Whole Farm Approach (WFA) and completing the relevant sections of the appraisal.
The WFA is designed to lighten the regulatory burden on farmers and growers in England. It offers a faster and more efficient way of doing business between government and the farming industry. Over time it will help reduce the number of duplicated requests for information that farmers receive from Defra and its agencies.
