What the legislation says
What this means
Paragraph 17 (1) allows wastes listed in the table that are being stored for the purpose of recovery, to be securely stored for those lengths of time specified in the table. These wastes may only be stored for recovery if the volume of each group does not exceed the specified storage limits. Wastes that are listed together under the table may be stored together, all others must be stored separately.
Paragraph 17 (2) provides the table of wastes with their EWC (European Waste Catalogue) codes and a description. It also sets out the:
- maximum storage limits by time, and
- weight for each set of waste types.
It is important to note that if a description of a waste follows a six digit code, only that kind of waste falling within the code may be stored.
Questions and answers
We have provided the following questions and answers to help you further understand if this exemption covers the activity that you wish to undertake
Paragraph 17
Q. What can you do?
A. You can store waste that is to be reused or recovered, at a secure place where:
- it cannot escape, and
- public access to it is controlled.
In the case of mammalian wastes this should include additional security from scavenging animals and birds. Wastes which are being held prior to disposal cannot be kept under this exemption.
Q. Who can do it?
A. Any company, organisation or individual that registers an activity with us, that is exempt under Paragraph 17 exemption. By individuals we mean those acting in a business capacity, such as a sole trader. The law does not require an individual acting in a personal capacity to register an exemption.
Q. Where can you do it?
A. At the place or places you identify when you register the exemption.
Q. What kind of wastes can you store?
A. Only those wastes which are listed in the table.
Q. How long can you store the waste?
A. The maximum storage periods are set out in the table alongside the waste types to which the limits apply (which is either six months or 12 months).
Q. Can you take more than one type of waste at the same premises?
A. Yes, provided that each group of waste types listed separately in the table are stored separately at the premises and in a way that ensures that storage volumes and time limits can be met.
Q. What is meant by 'articles which are to be used for construction work'?
A. The waste articles for construction work refers to items such as architectural salvage, bricks and tiles that can be used in their existing state.
Q. Does the exemption allow you to sort and bale the wastes?
A. No, this exemption covers storage only. However, some treatment activities can be registered under Paragraph 11 exemption. You may wish to check if you need to notify us of activities under this exemption at the same time.
Q. What is the significance of the EWC codes that are marked with an asterisk?
A. An asterisk against an EWC code indicates that these wastes may be hazardous. Hazardous waste is waste which may be dangerous to people, the environment or animals. If you handle hazardous waste under this exemption you also need to know if you have any additional obligations under the hazardous Waste Regulations. More information on this can be found on our dealing with hazardous waste page.
Examples of activities which you cannot register under the Paragraph 17 exemption:
- A waste transfer station stores plastics and cardboard that have been separated from mixed loads, prior to them being sent for disposal.
The storage of waste materials prior to disposal is not covered by this exemption. The receiving and sorting of waste materials at a waste transfer station requires a permit. Contact us before you start this type of activity.
- A company provides a service, collecting and storing waste refrigerants and halons which it bulks and sends for disposal at an incineration plant.
The storing of these waste materials is for disposal purposes only. The storage would therefore not be covered by the Paragraph 17 exemption.
Example of an activity which you can register under the Paragraph 17 exemption:
- A retailer with multiple outlets provides a central depot for storage and baling of separately collected cardboard, paper and plastics packaging wastes prior to them being delivered to a packaging reprocessor.
The storage both prior to and after processing of the paper, cardboard and plastic can be registered under Paragraph 17. The baling of these wastes would need to be registered as and carried out in accordance with the conditions of a Paragraph 11.
