Waste Exemptions and Digital Waste Tracking: What's Changing
Waste exemptions let some lower-risk waste activities run without a full environmental permit, from tyre treatment under T8 to using waste in construction under U1. Exempt sites aren't part of Phase 1 digital waste tracking, but Defra plans to bring them into a later phase.
Last reviewed: 16 October 2026
Waste Exemptions Explained
Waste exemptions allow certain lower-risk waste activities to be carried out without a full environmental permit, as long as you register the exemption and follow its conditions. There are roughly 150,000 registered waste exemption holders across the UK.
Exemptions fall into four groups:
U: Use of waste
for example using suitable waste in construction
T: Treating waste
for example sorting, baling or shredding
D: Disposing of waste
for small-scale, low-risk disposal activities
S: Storing waste
for example storing waste in a secure place before recovery
Each exemption has limits on the type and quantity of waste, how it's stored and how long it can be kept. In England, exemptions are registered with the Environment Agency and usually last three years before they need renewing.
Are Waste Exemptions in Digital Waste Tracking?
Not yet. Phase 1 of digital waste tracking only covers sites that receive waste under a licence or permit. Sites operating only under waste exemptions are not in Phase 1.
Defra has said exemptions will be included in a later phase of the service. Phase 2, planned for October 2027, focuses on carriers, brokers and dealers, so exemption holders should expect their requirements to come after that, or alongside it, once Defra confirms the details.
If you operate under an exemption and carry waste, Phase 2 may apply to your carrying activities. If you also hold a permit for another site, Phase 1 already applies to that site.
Common Exemptions: T8, U1, T4 and More
T4: Preparatory treatments
such as baling, sorting, shredding, densifying and compacting, often used by businesses handling cardboard, plastics and metals
T8: Mechanical treatment of end-of-life tyres
used by some tyre businesses
U1: Use of waste in construction
for using suitable wastes such as soils and rubble in construction projects
S2: Storing waste in a secure place
used by businesses storing waste before it's collected for recovery
Check the exact conditions for your exemption on GOV.UK or your regulator's website, as these vary.
What Exemption Holders Should Do Now
Even though you're not in Phase 1, it makes sense to prepare:
Check your exemptions
are registered, in date and cover what you actually do.
Keep good records
of the waste you receive, treat, use or store, including EWC codes and quantities.
Use digital records now
so you're ready when your phase arrives.
Check whether you also carry waste
as Phase 2 may affect you sooner.
Watch for Defra updates
on the later phase.
The receiving sites you send waste to are already reporting each load they receive, so your details may already be appearing in the system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related
Official guidance
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