Waste - Brexit Q&A
You can use the menu on the right hand side of the screen to skip between questions. Last updated on 12 Sept 2019.
The content on this site is correct as of today's date and is based on the information available at this time. Regular updates will be made as the Brexit process develops. Please continue to check back for updates.
Regardless of whether we leave the EU with or without a deal our commitment to the environment does not change. Environmental protections that are currently in place, will continue to exist and existing waste permits and licences will apply in the same way as they do now. Therefore, the NIEA expects industry to continue to meet the conditions of their authorisations.
If you are concerned that you will not be able to comply with your authorisation, specific advice can be obtained by contacting your local waste inspector, or by contacting NIEA on Tel. No. 02890 569353.
However, in the case of a No Deal EU Exit, there may be changes to border controls which have impacts on the waste supply chain. Protection of the environment and human health will remain foremost. Existing consents issued by UK competent authorities, which authorise the export of waste to EU countries, will remain valid in the event of Deal or No Deal.
The UK government has published advice on importing and exporting waste if there’s no Brexit deal which is available at the link below:
Exports may not be able to get out through the ports. As a result, my company may have problems with the storage of significant volumes of wastes. What can I do?
Regulatory officers are continuing to carry out regulatory inspections, and provide compliance advice to our customers. If you are concerned that you will not be able to comply with your authorisation, specific advice can be obtained by contacting your local waste inspector, or by contacting NIEA on Tel. No. 02890 569353.
I may lose a significant portion of my work force at short notice. As a result, I may not be able to process wastes and my site will become overloaded. What can I do?
If you are concerned that you will not be able to comply with your authorisation, specific advice can be obtained by contacting your local waste inspector, or by contacting NIEA on Tel. No. 02890 569353.
I may find it difficult to comply with the current legislation, or my permit conditions. What do I do?
DAERA recognises that, waste businesses may face challenges to their operational activity during this period. However, it must be emphasised that, any actions you take to address these challenges, must take into account the relevant legislative requirements and licence/permit conditions. If you are concerned that you will not be able to comply with your authorisation, specific advice can be obtained by contacting your local waste inspector, or by contacting NIEA on Tel. No. 02890 569353.
What do I do if I suspect waste crime?
DAERA is committed to the environment and to tackling waste crime. They will continue to detect, prevent, disrupt and enforce against the environmental threat, risk and harm. Anyone who suspects criminality in the waste industry, should contact the Northern Ireland Environment Agency on 0800 80 70 80, by email at environmentalcrime@daera-ni.gov.uk, or via NIDirect at the link below:
How is the management and disposal of Animal By-Products (ABP) going to be regulated?
The Animal By-Product (Enforcement) Regulations (NI) 2015 will continue to regulate the management and disposal of ABPs in NI. For more detail on the import and export of ABPs please refer to ABPs under the TRADE section.’
What about sites regulated by the Industrial Pollution and Radiochemical Inspectorate?
If your waste contractor is indicating difficulties with disposing of your waste please contact your PPC Site Inspector on Tel. No. 028 9056 9299