Welsh farmers warned to renew waste exemption permits

Farmers in Wales who top their silage sheets with tyres or use rubble to build farm tracks may need to renew waste exemptions that permit these activities.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) says some waste exemptions are due to expire this summer.

The activities covered by the rules even apply to burning hedge cuttings.

See also: The rules on accepting inert waste for farm projects

The exemptions, which allows farmers to carry out small-scale waste management activities including the use, treatment, storage and disposal of waste, need to be renewed every three years.

NRW says they are free to apply for and come with conditions designed to prevent damage to the environment.

Farmers can find their existing registration on the NRW website by typing in their farm name or the name of the farm owner – these details can also be found on NRW’s exemptions public register.

If an exemption is due to expire within the next month the “renew” option will be visible.

Geraint Richards, NRW’s lead specialist advisor on waste policy, urged farmers not to delay completing their renewal.

“This is a busy time of year for us, so we’re asking anyone who has an exemption due to expire to head over to our website to get the renewal process started as soon as possible,’’ he said.

Anyone who needs help with their renewal should phone 03000 653 000 for assistance.