The Environment Agency introduces new waste exemption charges

As of the 1 July 2025, the Environment Agency (EA) has implemented a new charging regime for waste exemptions in England. These changes are part of a broader effort to modernise environmental regulation, improve oversight, and ensure cost recovery for services provided by the EA.

Summary of the Changes

• Registration fee: A new £56 charge will apply every three years for registering waste exemptions. This fee supports the development of a digital registration system, customer support services, and periodic inspections.
• Compliance charges: Additional charges will apply depending on the type of exemption registered. These are designed to reflect the regulatory effort required for oversight.
• Charitable exemptions: Operators registering exemptions exclusively for charitable purposes will be exempt from these charges.

Businesses operating under waste exemptions should review their current registrations and prepare for the new fee structure. Compliance officers should ensure that all relevant exemptions are up to date and that budgeting accounts for these new charges.

For further details, visit the official EA guidance.