Following notices in October 2025, the Environment Agency is now contacting shippers/ exporters on imminent changes to its plans to reform the way it regulates Article 18 (Green List) waste shipments in England
These reforms will lead to more regulatory oversight, better data collection, and the adoption of new digital tools. This will allow the EA to confirm that waste is classified properly, transported to the right places, and handled in an environmentally responsible way.
By taking these steps, the EA aims to reduce waste-related crime and ensure that waste management supports legitimate businesses while safeguarding human health and the environment, both in England and abroad.
It is reported that some 77 per cent of exports currently remain non-compliant and for most operators it has been business as usual since October.
However, this is a positive move to bring waste tyre exports under control, and it is the start of steps to ensure that the UK’s waste tyres are properly disposed of at their destination. However, as always, the weak link will be the validation and enforcement at the point of destination. Already, anecdotal evidence suggests that tyres may still be heading to pyrolysis in India. Tyre and Rubber Recycling has spoken to Indian pyrolysis operators who tell us that they have been “approved by the Environment Agency”, however, there is no verification that this is the case. Though, a recent recycling industry conclave in Jaipur suggested that India may be about to relax the ban on the import of tyres for approved pyrolysis operations.
The changes will require all article 18 (green list) waste exports to be reported to the EA. The EA also plans to introduce charges for waste shipments and will shortly publish a consultation to give the wider industry the opportunity to review the proposed changes and provide feedback.
Registration
The scheduled start date for the new regulations will be the 1st July 2026. Operators will be required to register with the EA if involved in the shipping of Article 18 Green Waste.
Registering is important. It will enable the EA to communicate directly with the appropriate parties throughout the implementation period. For exporters who do not register, the EA intends to serve notices to gather the necessary information. Some in the recycling sector might consider this a “light touch” approach where a firmer take is needed to tackle rogue operators.
The EA highlights that this is an interim plan that will operate until Digital Waste Tracking is in place
Digital Waste Tracking is still part of the EA’s long-term plan, and this is an interim step until digital waste tracking is available to receive waste shipment information.
It is an indictment that the original target date for Digital Waste Tracking is on the horizon and little progress appears to have been made on the technology required. The tyre sector being largely self-contained would be an ideal test bed for the technology, but by all accounts tyre recyclers have not yet been approached.
