The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) have published a policy paper that sets out the government's plans to improving the waste carrier, broker and dealer system in England.
Current system of registration
The current system of registration for waste carriers, brokers, and dealers (CBD) makes it difficult for regulators to target high-risk waste operators effectively.
Enforcement options are limited, and the Environment Agency can only refuse or revoke registrations if the set criteria are met. It does not differentiate between small and large players, nor does it account for the risks posed by the types and quantities of waste handled or managed by them.
This is at odds with the other regulatory waste regimes, which aim to deliver proportional charges and regulatory effort. As a result, CBD compliance and enforcement work has become reactive rather than proactive, and often only occurs following enforcement activity for other reasons.
DEFRA's plans
DEFRA will update key regulations for people and businesses involved in transporting and managing waste. This will provide:
which will result in stronger powers to fight waste crime.
The plans include:
The proposals will also join up the CBD regime with the other main regulatory system for the resources and waste sector, making it a simpler system for the industry and regulator.
For more information on this subject, see:
