The EA wants to move to a cost-of-service charging model, where fees fully cover the cost of regulating environmental activities. This includes:

• Rising permit and licence fees for businesses involved in waste disposal or treatment
• New charges for previously exempt waste activities
• Higher charges for businesses that require more oversight
• Time-based fees for audits, technical assessments, and site visits

In short, it will cost more to operate legally—and the more complex or high-risk your activity, the more you’ll pay.

Even if your business doesn’t directly hold a waste permit, you’re likely to feel the financial impact. Here’s how:

1. Higher Waste Disposal Costs

Disposal and treatment facilities, including landfills and waste transfer stations, will likely see their fees increase—and pass these costs onto you through higher gate fees or service charges.

2. Fewer Free Exemptions

If your business relies on an exemption (for example, storing or treating waste on-site), you may now need to pay for a permit or additional compliance checks.

3. Greater Compliance Responsibilities

More detailed inspections and stricter oversight mean you’ll need to be confident that your waste activities—whether handled in-house or by a provider—are fully compliant.

These changes aren’t just about new costs—they signal a wider shift in how environmental regulation is enforced. Businesses that aren’t prepared could face:

• Fines or enforcement action if operating under outdated exemptions
• Unplanned cost increases
• Disruption to waste collection or disposal services

To protect your operations and your budget, it’s important to take action early. Here are some practical steps:

• Review your current waste contracts: Understand who holds the permits and whether increased fees will be passed on.
• Check for exemptions: If you rely on any exempt activities, confirm whether they will remain free or become chargeable.
• Speak to your waste provider: Ask how they’re planning for these changes and how they might impact your costs.
• Budget for change: Anticipate rising waste costs in your 2025 business planning.

At Flame UK, we help businesses like yours stay compliant and cost-efficient—especially when regulation changes. Our team can:

• Support you in navigating any changes from the EA consultation
• Review your current waste arrangements
• Identify potential cost or compliance risks
• Recommend smarter, more sustainable waste strategies

The EA’s cost-of-service charging reforms are likely to reshape the waste landscape in 2025. The sooner your business starts preparing, the better positioned you’ll be to manage rising costs, avoid disruption, and stay compliant.

Flame UK is here to help. Speak to our expert team today and future-proof your waste management strategy.

Get in touch today to talk to one of our compliance experts.