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The devolved nations are pushing ahead of England with planned waste changes, and there’s a potential, sensible, compromise with the EU on how we manage the most dangerous substances.
Changes to UK REACH
Defra has issued a policy paper on a new strategic approach to the UK REACH Candidate List of substances of very high concern. Inclusion on the Candidate List means suppliers have additional obligations. If the substance is moved off the Candidate List and on to the Authorisation List, it cannot be used after a defined ‘sunset’ date unless a specific authorisation or exemption has been granted. Since Brexit, the EU and the UK have maintained separate Candidate Lists, resulting in a deviation in chemicals regulation. This new policy will see much greater alignment between the lists.
Scotland updates waste rules
Draft Digital Waste Tracking Regulations have been published to introduce a system of digital waste tracking from 1 January 2027 in Scotland. The current paper-based system doesn’t allow for easy or consistent waste tracking. The regulations will apply to operators of facilities with a permit to carry out a waste activity under the Environmental Authorisations Regulations. Operators of permitted waste facilities will have to record specified information in a digital waste record and check the information has been submitted into a digital waste tracking system.
https://tinyurl.com/4atr856s
Separation of waste in Wales
A previous exemption for hospitals in Wales from the waste separation requirements will cease on 6 April. In addition, all small waste electrical and electronic equipment (sWEEE) will now be in scope. Businesses will have to present sWEEE for separate collection from
6 April. This could include electrical items such as hair appliances, clocks, cameras, laptops, electronic scales, some sports equipment, thermostats, fryers, some monitors, calculators, telephones, power tools, radios and smoke detectors.
https://tinyurl.com/4kjyuj8f
Consultation on draft CBAM law
HMRC has launched a technical consultation on draft legislation relating to the UK’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). The legislation and CBAM are planned for 1 January 2027 and aim to prevent carbon leakage by imposing a fair price on carbon emitted during the production of energy-intensive goods.
https://tinyurl.com/j9methzb
Forever chemicals plan
The government is publishing its first PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) plan, on its approach to dealing with forever chemicals. The plan looks at impacts on public health and the environment, and provides coordinated actions to minimise risks.
https://tinyurl.com/yc6dbpw7
Plans for water reform
A new white paper outlines the government’s plans to reform the water sector and the wider water system. It aims to deliver safe and secure water supplies; a protected and enhanced environment; and fair outcomes for customers and investors.
https://tinyurl.com/nfmvjbbs
Solid fuel burning
Defra is consulting on cutting harmful emissions from solid fuel burning, including from wood burning stoves, through supporting cleaner technologies, and improved information on the health impacts. The proposals include new stove emission limits.
https://tinyurl.com/4m2a6ch2
A prolific waste criminal has been ordered to pay more than £1.4m for illegally dumping over 4,275 tonnes of waste. He was also sentenced to four months in prison, suspended for 18 months, 30 days’ rehabilitation and 200 hours of unpaid work.
https://tinyurl.com/bdu344s4
In Restore Nature Ltd v Scottish Forestry, a screening decision that a developer’s forestry project did not require environmental impact assessment consent has been reduced, as consideration of likely risk to the environment was not properly carried out.
https://tinyurl.com/2mnw9bpn
Neil Howe PISEP is head of writing at Barbour EHS
