The Department for environment, food and rural affairs (Defra) is set to host a series of events on leaving the EU for the waste management industry.
The event will run towards the end of October and will primarily focus on leaving the EU without a deal.
In a communication to stakeholders, Defra’s Resources and Waste team states: “We are continuing to prepare for leaving the EU as part of the government’s ongoing Brexit preparations.
The events will primarily focus on leaving the EU without a deal
“The events will primarily focus on leaving the EU without a deal. We’ll provide updates on the latest situation, next steps, and other useful information. The event will include a Q&A session.”
Defra is asking that questions and issues around waste management and Brexit could be submitted to us prior to the events.
Locations:
- 21/10/2019 – Mercure Bristol Holland House Hotel, Redcliff Hill, Bristol, BS1 6SQ
- 23/10/2019 – Mercure Tunbridge Wells Hotel, 8 Tonbridge Road, Pembury, TN2 4QL
- 25/10/2019 – Liverpool Novotel, 40 Hanover Street, Liverpool, L1 4LN
- 28/10/2019 – York Park Inn, North Street, York, YO1 6JD
- 29/10/2019 – Birmingham Copthorne Hotel, Paradise Circus, Birmingham, B3 3HJ
The announcement of the events follows Defra publishing flowcharts for import and export processes after Brexit.
Defra recently published guidance for exporting waste in the event of a no deal Brexit.
Do you export waste?
If you or your business collects, transports or stores waste that is due to be exported to the EU, your existing permit or licence still applies and you are expected to continue to meet its conditions.
Given anticipated disruption at some ports, you should make a plan to minimise any impacts on your business:
- review your own capacity and how long you can store waste on your site
- identify alternative storage facilities that could accept your waste
- assess if there are other export routes to market that avoid impacted ports
- dentify any alternative recovery or disposal routes for your waste
- contact your haulage operator to discuss any potential changes to transport plans.
If you do change your export route, you will also need to change your export notification. This must be agreed by the UK and overseas competent authority. In England, you can contact the Environment Agency for advice, or contact the equivalent competent authority if you are in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
If you have to keep additional waste on your site for longer than expected, you will need to consider any resulting environmental risks and take steps to keep these properly controlled.
Your contingency plans need to be compatible with the requirements on your permit. In England, if you are unable to make adequate contingency plans you should contact the Environment Agency for advice.