Defra Announces Changes to Waste Carrier, Broker and Dealer Regulations
A Major Overhaul of the CBD Framework
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has confirmed a significant reform of the waste carrier, broker and dealer (CBD) system in England. The aim is clear: tighten enforcement, reduce waste crime, and bring the framework into line with other regulatory regimes.
The current two-tier registration system will be phased out. In its place, businesses will either need to apply for an environmental permit or, in the case of very low-risk activities, obtain a registered exemption.
New Roles and Responsibilities
Defra is also introducing updated terminology to better reflect the day-to-day responsibilities of businesses in the sector.
Organisations will now be classified as:
- Waste transporters: those moving waste between sites without influencing how it is classified or where it ends up.
- Waste controllers: those responsible for decisions about how waste is collected, categorised and ultimately treated or disposed of.
In practice, some businesses – such as skip hire firms or licensed waste facilities – will operate as both. In these cases, a combined permit will be required.
Environmental Permitting Structure
The new permitting system will replace the outdated two-tier model. It will consist of three types of standard permits:
- Controller-only permit
- Transporter-only permit
- Combined controller-transporter permit
Each permit type will be divided into tiers to reflect the scale and risk level of the business activity. Larger operators handling high-risk waste will face stricter conditions and higher charges, while smaller, lower-risk businesses will be subject to lighter regulation.
Renewals and Compliance Checks
Permits will be valid for a three-year period. At renewal, businesses will need to confirm that:
- All permit conditions continue to be met
- Business details remain accurate
- Technical competence requirements are still satisfied
The Environment Agency will hold greater enforcement powers under the reformed system. Permits can be suspended where conditions are breached, and repeat offenders risk having their permits revoked entirely.
Technical Competence Standards
Under the new regime, technical competence becomes a mandatory requirement for all permit holders. Defra has set out two pathways:
- Individual route: completion of an e-learning course followed by an in-person test.
- Workplace qualification: allowing a nominated employee to act as the competent person for the business.
This measure is designed to ensure that individuals making decisions about waste handling are properly trained and accountable.
Exemptions for Low-Risk Activities
Not every operator will need a full permit. Registered exemptions, renewed every three years, will apply to businesses carrying out low-risk tasks such as transporting small volumes of their own waste.
Non-registered exemptions will cover activities already tightly regulated elsewhere, including:
- Household waste collections by local authorities
- Certain charitable waste operations
- Movement of animal by-products already subject to existing legislation
What This Means for Businesses
The reform marks a decisive step towards stricter oversight of the waste sector. It will place greater responsibility on businesses to demonstrate compliance, but it also aims to level the playing field by tackling rogue operators.
Companies involved in the transport, brokerage, or disposal of waste should start preparing now – whether by applying for the right permit, checking technical competence within their team, or reviewing processes against the new rules.
Supporting Businesses With Waste Compliance
Navigating regulatory change can feel complex, but the right support makes all the difference. At Affordable Waste Management, we help organisations across the UK manage their commercial waste collection, disposal and recycling in full compliance with UK legislation.
Our Commercial Waste Services UK are built on transparent pricing, nationwide coverage and fast account setup. We make waste management straightforward, cost-effective and reliable – so you can focus on running your business while we take care of your waste.