Defra has announced reforms to England's waste-carrier system that would replace simple registration with permit-based checks, require identity and criminal-record screening, and raise penalties for illegal waste crime.
The government has announced new reforms in England aimed at stopping rogue waste operators from exploiting loopholes in the current system.
Defra said waste carriers will move from a simple registration model to a permit-based system from 2027. Applicants will face identity, criminal-record and technical checks before receiving a permit.
Operators will also have to display permit numbers in advertising, including on vans. The Environment Agency will gain stronger powers to revoke permits and issue enforcement notices.
The crackdown comes after repeated criticism that the current checks are too weak. Sky News reported the reforms on Monday, 18 May 2026, while Farmers Weekly previously reported that a cow was granted a waste carrier licence in under three seconds, illustrating how easily the existing system could be gamed.
Defra has also said illegal waste handlers could face penalties of up to five years in prison.
The reforms are part of a wider effort to tackle fly-tipping and organised waste crime, which ITV recently described as a major and costly problem.
The official announcement leaves some details open, including whether the legislation will be formally laid and published in full this week and whether any final rules change before the 2027 rollout.
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