OEP publishes review of waste inspections
The Office for Environmental Protection (the “OEP”) has published a review of the Environment Agency’s (the “EA”) inspections of waste operations and installations in England between 2018 and 2022. The report identifies weaknesses in the consistency and application of the inspection regime, including concerns around the scoring of non-compliances, and calls for improved guidance, stronger quality assurance, and greater transparency.
Ben Derrington, Partner, is Freeths’ expert on waste regulation. See Ben’s thoughts here.
Government introduces tougher regime to tackle waste crime
The Government has announced reforms to strengthen enforcement against waste crime, including reiterating its commitment to bring the waste carrier registration system within the permitting regime from 2027. The new system will require operators to undergo background checks and demonstrate technical competence, alongside stronger enforcement powers for the EA and penalties of up to five years’ imprisonment for serious offences.
Draft regulations have been laid before Parliament. These measures will sit alongside plans for a digital waste tracking service (announced in April), and are intended to improve transparency and traceability, for which draft regulations have also been laid this month.
New intervention charge for non-compliant waste operators
The EA has published a response to its consultation on changes to waste-related charges, aimed at strengthening regulation and tackling waste crime. Most proposals will be implemented from May 2026, including updated hourly rates, charges for waste exemption registration and compliance (with some modifications), and a new fee for intervention at illegal sites.
Following stakeholder feedback, the EA has removed the proposed waste crime levy and made targeted refinements to the waste exemption regime, including exemptions for charitable operators and clarification of certain exemption requirements.
