Waste exemptions: new rules from January 2027

Subject to Parliamentary approval, the new regulation will come into force in England only from 6 January 2027.

The reforms are being considered by Parliament and are expected to be approved before 17 December 2026.

The Environment Agency state they are making these reforms to better protect legitimate businesses, people, communities and the environment from the harm caused by waste criminals and poorly managed waste operations.

Most exemptions have minor changes. These will be in force immediately when the new rules come into effect. Some exemptions have more complex changes, for these there will be a transition period of 3, 6 or 12 months to comply.

The U1: Using waste in construction exemption is set to be tightened with restriction in the activities permitted which will affect sites that use waste materials in construction works. Please note that this also has more detailed reforms and there is a 12-month transition period to comply.

The CIP Construction Environmental Manual will include all the relevant changes as and when they are published.