What do the New Waste Exemption Charges Mean for Your Business?
The Environment Agency has introduced a new charging scheme for waste exemptions, effective July 2025. This change affects operators across the waste and environmental sectors.
Under the new system, charges are split into two parts:
- A registration charge of £56, which covers multiple exemptions if registered together
- A compliance charge for each exemption, based on its risk band
For the most commonly used exemptions, the compliance charge is £412. However, some exemptions carry higher fees, for example, the T9 exemption (recovering scrap metal) now costs £1,236 due to its classification in the upper risk band.
What You Should Do Next
If your site has multiple exemptions, it’s worth reviewing them carefully. De-registering any that are no longer required could help avoid unnecessary costs. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to apply for a permit variation. The permit variation could include the exempt activities within your existing environmental permit.
You can view the full list of exemptions and their associated charges in Annex A of the official guidance.
See our recent post about waste exemption charges.
Need Help Navigating the Changes?
At AC Environmental, we support businesses with all aspects of environmental compliance, from COTC cover and permit applications to waste exemption reviews. If you’re unsure how these changes affect your operations or need help updating your registrations, our team is here to help.
Navigate Regulatory Shifts with Confidence | Partner with AC Environmental
As the Environment Agency’s new waste exemption charging scheme takes effect from July 2025, staying compliant is no longer optional, it’s essential. With over 40 years of expertise, AC Environmental helps businesses across England and Wales adapt to evolving environmental regulations, including those impacting battery storage, waste treatment, and exemption registration.
Whether you operate a waste management site, scrap metal facility, or end-of-life vehicle (ELV) centre, our specialist services are designed to keep your operations compliant, efficient, and future-ready:
- Permit applications – Navigate the latest regulatory requirements with expert guidance.
- Fire prevention plans – Ensure your battery storage protocols meet updated safety standards.
- Environmental management systems – Build resilience and sustainability into your operations.
- COTC Cover – Access qualified personnel to meet site competency and compliance obligations.
📞 Call 01782 308 444 to speak with our team about how the new charging scheme affects your business, and how we can help you respond proactively.
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🌐 Explore our full range of services to stay ahead of environmental compliance challenges.
Let’s work together to protect your business, meet regulatory demands, and thrive under the new waste exemption framework.
