The current CBD registration process makes it difficult for the Environment Agency to target high-risk operators. Everyone is treated the same, regardless of the size of their business or the type of waste they handle. This has led to a reactive system, where action is often only taken once waste crime has already occurred.

The reforms will bring waste carriers, brokers and dealers into the Environmental Permitting Regulations (EPR), giving regulators stronger enforcement powers and creating a simpler, more transparent system for businesses.

To simplify responsibilities, new terms will replace the current system:

• Waste Transporters – move waste between locations but don’t decide where it goes (e.g., hauliers, contractors, delivery drivers).
• Waste Controllers – organise collection, classification, recovery or disposal of waste (e.g., brokers, dealers, consultants, waste sites).
• Controller-Transporters – businesses that both control and transport waste (e.g., skip hire, waste collection companies).

This change makes it clearer who is legally responsible for waste decisions and actions.

The old CBD registrations will be replaced by new standard rules permits or exemptions. There will be three main permit types:

• Waste controller only
• Waste transporter only
• Combined controller-transporter permit

Permits will also be tiered to reflect the scale of operations and type of waste handled, ensuring higher-risk operators face stricter regulation and charges.

The government recognises that small businesses may be concerned about costs and red tape. That’s why the new system introduces a tiered approach, with lower-level permits and exemptions available for businesses handling small amounts of low-risk waste.

For example:

• Larger operators managing construction, demolition or hazardous waste will need a higher-level permit.
• A plumber taking away their own offcuts may only need an exemption.
• A plumber removing old radiators (third-party waste) may need a lower-level permit.

Some activities will be exempt from needing a permit. These include:

• Local authorities collecting household waste (non-registered exemption).
• Charities moving donations or stock between shops (though chargeable services will require a permit).
• Farmers transporting their own agricultural waste (registered exemption).
• Animal by-products covered by existing regulations (registered exemption).

Exemptions will need to be re-registered every three years.

• Permits will last for three years and include both application and compliance monitoring fees.
• Registered exemptions will also need to be renewed every three years.
• Businesses will need to show ongoing competence at renewal to keep their permit active.

With waste carriers and brokers moving under the Environmental Permitting Regulations, the Environment Agency will have greater enforcement powers. This includes:

• Roadside checks
• On-site audits
• The ability to suspend or revoke permits where operators fail to comply

Permit numbers will also have to be displayed in advertising and made available during inspections, helping to tackle fraudulent activity.

Once the system goes live:

• New applicants will need to register under the new system straight away.
• Existing upper-tier registrants will move onto the new permits when their registration expires.
• Existing lower-tier registrants will need to apply for a permit or exemption within 12 months.

These reforms are designed to:

• Crack down on waste crime
• Ensure a level playing field for legitimate operators
• Simplify the system for both regulators and businesses

If your business transports or manages waste, you’ll need to prepare for the new permit and competence requirements.

At Flame UK, we help businesses stay compliant with waste legislation while managing waste in the most efficient and sustainable way possible.

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✅ Need advice on waste permits or compliance? Contact Flame UK today to ensure your business is ready for the upcoming changes.