New reforms to crack down
on waste crime

Waste carrier, broker and dealer system reform

(This applies to England only)

We are introducing new reforms to crack down on waste crime, which costs the English economy £1 billion every year through evaded tax, environmental and social harm, and lost business.

Our response to the consultation on reforming the carriers, brokers, dealers regime sets out our proposals for stricter regulations from 2025 across England for those who manage and transport waste.

Those who want to manage waste services and transport waste will see increased background checks and competence requirements. Those handling waste will need to record information from the point it is produced, through to the point it is disposed of, via a central digital service (see Digital Waste Tracking).

A stronger regulatory system will provide a more stable environment for businesses to invest to boost productivity and improve environmental outcomes.

The Environment Agency estimates that 18% of all waste in England is managed illegally at some point in the waste stream – that is approximately 34 million tonnes across England every year.

These changes will make it harder for rogue operators to find work in the sector and easier for regulators to act against criminals.

Read more in the government response to the consultation about these new reforms.

Find out more

Local Authority and Waste Management Webinar – Tuesday 24 October 2023 – 10am–11:30am.

This session will provide local authorities and the waste management organisations in England more detailed information about the Simpler Recycling reforms. It will also include details on Waste Tracking and the Carrier, Broker and Dealer regime. This is an invite only session. Local authorities and waste management organisations in England will receive an invite by lunchtime on Monday 23 October 2023. Please email us if you haven’t received the invite.

Business Readiness Forum - Waste Reforms – Thursday 26 October 2023 – 9am-10am.

This session will provide an update on the three waste reforms - Simpler Recycling, Digital Waste Tracking and Carrier, Broker and Dealer regime. This forum is open to all that would like to find out more. To book your place please register here.