Waste management fees amendment in Northern Ireland and UK health and safety law: implications for regulatory compliance and business planning

Waste management fees amendment in Northern Ireland and UK health and safety law: implications for regulatory compliance and business planning

Overview: The Waste (Fees and Charges) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026 introduce changes to how fees for waste management licences and registrations are set and recovered. A charging scheme will specify the fees for processing applications by carriers, brokers or dealers in controlled waste. The aim is full cost recovery and to align with principles of Managing Public Money Northern Ireland.

What has changed

The regulations shift the framework for fees charged by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland for waste management licences and related registrations. The charging scheme will describe the exact amounts payable by waste carriers, brokers and dealers in controlled waste and how they are calculated. The change is targeted at recovering the Department’s costs in administering the scheme and ensuring consistent funding for waste regulation.

Who is affected

Organisations involved in waste transport and handling in Northern Ireland, including carriers, brokers and dealers in controlled waste, contractors and their customers. Cross border operators with NI waste activities should also consider how these charges apply where licences are issued or renewed in NI.

Why this matters

Costs associated with waste licences will increase as the charging scheme is implemented. This affects operating budgets, procurement planning and the cost of compliance. The change supports regulatory compliance by ensuring fees reflect the true cost of regulation, in line with good governance practices for public money.

Key duties for organisations

Identify whether your waste activities fall under NI licences or registrations for carriers or dealers in controlled waste. Review current budgeting and contract pricing to incorporate potential fee increases. Ensure staff understand how charges are calculated and when renewals are due.

Steps to achieve compliance

• Map all NI waste activities involving licences and registrations
• Review the NI charging scheme once published and align budgets accordingly
• Update procurement contracts to account for potential fee changes
• Maintain records of licences, renewals and fee payments
• Engage with suppliers and competent advisers to interpret the charging framework

Governance and oversight

Integrate the change into risk assessment and management systems. Consider ISO 45001 alignment to ensure systematic control of licencing and compliance costs. For practical support you may reference Competent Person support or health and safety training and services.

Enforcement and sanctions

As the policy emphasises full cost recovery, ensure timely payment and accurate reporting to avoid potential regulatory actions or additional charges. Robust record keeping and auditing of licence returns will support compliance and reduce the risk of disputes.

What organisations should do next

Review all NI waste activities and licences, adjust budgets, update supplier contracts, and communicate changes to operations teams. Consider linking this change to your health and safety management system and risk assessment process to maintain regulatory compliance and cost control.

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Timely attention to NI waste management fee changes supports responsible regulatory compliance and effective HSE risk management. Proactive planning helps organisations avoid unexpected cost shocks and maintain safe compliant operations.