Agricultural waste

For many years agricultural waste was excluded from the regulations that controlled the management of household, commercial and industrial waste in the United Kingdom. On 21 January 2005 the Waste (Scotland) Regulations 2005 brought agricultural waste under the same regulatory regime as other commercial activities. The new legislation is intended to protect the environment and human health for the benefit of both farmers and consumers.

This means that uncontrolled burning of waste on farms and the use of unauthorised farm tips is prohibited. Farms, like any other business, now have a Duty of Care to ensure that the waste they produce is disposed of safely and without harm to the environment through licensed waste management facilities.

While this may pose a challenge to many farmers to find alternative methods of disposal, it also presents important opportunities to promote more sustainable farm waste management systems.

For specific agricultural information, please visit: Agriculture guidance; Agricultural Regulation; Agricultural publications and Agricultural Waste Guidance.

In addition relevant waste guidance and regulations include:

Dumb Dumper campaign external link: If you see anyone dumping rubbish illegally then call the Dumb Dumpers Stop Line on 0845 2 30 40 90.

Recycling Directory external link: The Business Recycling Directory provides information on local and national recycling and reuse services from a range of service providers.