Today the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) announces its agricultural waste roadshows to help the farming community and its suppliers comply with new waste management controls. 98% of holdings are already re-using at least one type of waste, but 72% are storing waste with no plans to use it.
What does the regulatory change mean to you?
Can I dispose of wastes by burning or burying them on my farm?
Do I have to notify SEPA before I burn branch waste and brash?
Can I use manures and slurries on farm?
A number of growers are considering buying and sharing a plastics recycling
bin. Do we have to register this activity?
How long can I store waste on my farm before disposing of it?
These are just some of the questions that will be answered during the road show.
Emma Taylor, area waste co-ordinator of SEPA said: "These free seminars are intended to raise awareness of the recent regulatory changes, and outline some of the ways in which farmers, supporting agencies, suppliers and the waste industry can respond positively to the challenges ahead. It will also provide a useful forum to raise any particular issues or barriers to more sustainable farm waste management in Scotland."
The Agricultural Waste Regulations (Scotland) 2005 brought agricultural waste under the same regulatory controls as other commercial activities. The controls came into full effect on 21 January 2006, following a 12 month transitional period. Waste Management Legislation now prohibits the uncontrolled burning of waste on farms and the use of unauthorised farm tips. Farms, like any other business, now have a Duty of Care to ensure that the waste they produce is disposed of safely and without harm to the environment, through licensed waste management facilities. The new legislation is intended to protect the environment and human health for the benefit of farmers and consumers.
The road shows will take place in: In Kelso on 11 July at Springwood Hall; Stirling on the 14 July at Millhall Auction Mart; Dumfries on 18 July at Dumfries Auction Mart; Ayr on 19 July at Ayr Auction Mart; Dingwall on 25 July at Dingwall Auction Mart and Inverurie on 26 July at Thainstone Centre. Each event will begin with: registration at 11 am, the seminar will be from 11:30am with lunch at 1 pm and closing at 2 pm each day.
To register a place please contact Jean Atkinson, Erskine Court, Castle Business Park, Stirling, FK9 4TR or telephone 01786 452449 or fax 01786 446885 or email farmwaste[AT]sepa.org.uk or register online at www.sepa.org.uk
