AC Environmental Consulting Ltd

07/05/2026

Many scrap metal and ELV operators don’t realise their permits may have changed, and it’s catching a lot of sites out.

The Environment Agency has updated multiple Standard Rules permits after the reclassification of POPs (Persistent Organic Pollutants). These materials weren’t included in older permits, which means many operators are now working under new conditions, new compliance expectations, and in many cases a new requirement for COTC cover or increased TCM attendance.

👉 If you’re unsure whether your site is affected, or you need immediate COTC cover, we can help.
📞 01782 308 444

In December 2024, older SR2008 and SR2015 permits were consolidated into the new SR2022 permits. This brought POPs‑affected waste streams into scope for the first time, even for operators who were never directly notified.
And there’s a hard deadline coming up.
⏳ RPS 326 ends on 31 December 2026.
After this date, the EA expects full compliance with SR2022 conditions and POPs requirements.
If operators don’t act before the deadline, they could face:
• Non‑compliance
• Enforcement action
• Increased inspections
• Mandatory corrective actions

To help operators understand what’s changed, and what they need to do, we’ve published a new guidance page specifically for Scrap Metal & ELV Sites:
👉 COTC Cover for Scrap Metal & ELV Sites

The page explains:
• Why scrap metal & ELV sites are most affected
• What the EA now expects under SR2022
• When COTC cover or increased TCM attendance is required
• POPs identification and storage requirements
• What operators must do before the 2026 deadline
• How AC Environmental supports sites nationwide

If you’re unsure whether your site is affected, we can check for you.
📞 01782 308 444, and we'll be happy to help.

👉 COTC Cover for Scrap Metal & ELV Sites

🔗 https://ac-environmental.co.uk/cotc-cover-sr2022-pops-affected-permits/cotc-cover-for-scrap-metal-elv-sites/

24/04/2026

Not something you expect to see on a TCM visit…
A brand‑new job at East Midlands Airport.

We’ve just started supporting a small but important waste transfer and treatment site at the airport, they handle all of the airport’s waste, including materials offloaded from incoming flights.

Dave Mason will be visiting the site weekly to carry out TCM checks and will be looking after the site for the foreseeable future as we support our new client, Churchill Group.

The work has only just started this month, but it’s already a great example of the variety of sites our team supports across the UK, and how environmental compliance plays a key role in keeping major operations running safely and smoothly.

If your site needs TCM cover, waste management support or help staying compliant, our team is here to help.

📞 01782 308 444

16/04/2026

Has your Standard Rules permit changed without you knowing?

The Environment Agency has consolidated a variety of older Standard Rules permits (including some of the SR2008, SR2015 and others) into new SR2022 permits following the recent POPs related changes. As a result, many sites are now seeing POPs affected waste streams included in their new permit. For some operators, this means their current TCM qualification may no longer cover the updated activities.

The EA has issued an RPS until 31 December 2026, but it won’t be extended. Now is the time to check where you stand.

Not sure if your site is affected? Visit our website or contact AC Environmental for support.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing clear guidance for:
● scrap metal & ELV
● skip hire & waste transfer stations
● WEEE recyclers
● wood recyclers
● local authorities & HWRCs

Each post will explain what the POPs‑related changes mean for your permit and your technical competence requirements.

Need help reviewing your permit or COTC position? Get in touch on 01782 308 444 or visit our website for more information.

01/04/2026

♻️ Another successful permit variation delivered.
This time, for a global leader in metal recycling

We’re proud to have supported Kuusakoski, a multinational recycling business headquartered in Finland with operations across Scandinavia, Estonia, Russia and the UK.

Their Sheffield team needed support to update and extend their environmental permit to cover a neighbouring site and bring the whole permit up to modern EA standards. We were asked to take this on after their previous consultant retired, and we were happy to help.

Last week, the Environment Agency issued the updated permit (EPR/GP3498ZY/V004), confirming Kuusakoski can continue operating safely and compliantly across their expanded site.

The new permit now includes:

🔹 Additional land added to the authorised boundary

🔹 Removal of the old WEEE ATF activity

🔹 A fully modernised permit in the latest EA format

🔹 Approved Dust & Emissions Management Plan

🔹 Approved Fire Prevention Plan

🔹 Permission for up to 75,000 tonnes of mixed metal recycling per year
🔹 Updated conditions for drainage, noise, odour, fire prevention and record‑keeping

A huge well done to Leisl Heath, who led the variation process and the supporting management plans.

If your site needs help with permitting, variations or ongoing compliance, our team is ready to support you.

📞 01782 308 444

26/03/2026

It’s not every day your TCM shift comes with ocean‑going vessels.
Two sites, two coasts — the same work on the ground.

Last week, David Alcock, one of our senior consultants, supported two very different operations — each requiring ongoing COTC cover to maintain strong environmental compliance.

At Ellesmere Port, David was working with an oil refinery on the Manchester Ship Canal, where used cooking oil (UCO) is refined into biodiesel for stationary systems such as heating oil in boilers or as fuel for generators.

Later in the week, he visited the Port of Immingham. The site is permitted to export up to 600,000 tonnes of baled RDF (refuse‑derived fuel) each year, compacted waste material used to power waste‑to‑energy plants across Scandinavia and Germany.

Across both locations, David’s COTC work includes site inspections, permit compliance checks and advice, Fire Prevention Plan reviews, documentation audits and wider environmental advice.

Two very different sites. One consistent goal: helping operators stay compliant, safe and environmentally responsible.

If your site needs support with permitting, compliance or ongoing COTC cover, the AC Environmental team is here to help.
Need support on your site? 01782 308 444

19/03/2026

🎉 Great news from the AC Environmental team!

We’re really pleased to share a big milestone, and a brilliant first achievement for our newest team member, Sam Davies.

Sam joined us as a Trainee Environmental Consultant on 1st September 2025. By 14th November, he’d already submitted his first Standard Rules permit application for Auto Storage Land Ltd, an ELV site in Kirkby in Ashfield.

The permit has now been granted and in just four months.

For a Standard Rules permit application, that’s a very quick turnaround (most take five to six months).

Huge well done to Sam for the hard work and attention to detail that went into this one. A great start to his journey with us.

If you need support with permitting or environmental compliance, we’re here to help.

📞 01782 308444

12/01/2026

♻ EA Proposes Major Changes to ELV Permits ♻
Here’s What Operators Need to Know
The Environment Agency has launched a consultation that could significantly reshape how end‑of‑life vehicle (ELV) sites operate across England and Wales. From stricter depollution standards to enhanced battery safety and updated drainage requirements, these proposals signal a more prescriptive regulatory landscape for ATFs and wider waste operators.
At AC Environmental, we’ve already seen how shifts like this impact day‑to‑day operations, long‑term planning and compliance costs. This consultation is one that ELV operators cannot afford to overlook.
In our latest article, we break down:
🔹 What the EA is proposing

🔹 Who will be affected

🔹 The biggest operational and compliance impacts

🔹 What operators should be doing now

🔹 How to prepare for more detailed permit conditions

If you run an ELV site, scrap metal facility or wider waste management operation, this is essential reading.
Read the full breakdown 👇

🔗 https://ac-environmental.co.uk/end-of-life-vehicle-permit-changes-ea-consultation-guide/
And if you need clarity on how these changes could affect your site, we’re here to help.
📞 Call 01782 308 444 to speak with our team about the potential impact on your operations and how to prepare with confidence.

26/09/2025

🚀 Standard Rules Permit issued in under 4 months
A rare win for RS Auto Salvage!
AC Environmental submitted the application on 21st May, and by 11th September, the permit was officially granted. That’s weeks ahead of the typical 8+ month wait.
📗 No delays
📗 No rework
📗 Full compliance from day one
“It’s a sign we know what we’re doing,” said David Alcock, Director.
“Everything was provided upfront, and the Agency didn’t need to come back for more.”
📗Permit Number: EPR/FP3828LG
📗Location: Dewsbury, West Yorkshire
If you're planning a new waste site or need help navigating the permit process, we’re here to help.
💬 Got questions? Drop them in the comments 👇
📌 Save this post for your next fleet or site review
🔗 Link to the full case study is in the comments 👇

10/09/2025

New blog: Why expert support is essential for UK environmental permit applications

We’ve seen it all, contradictory notices, delayed approvals, and confusing communications. But with AC Environmental on your side, you don’t have to face it alone.

Our latest blog shares real examples of how we’ve helped clients overcome permit challenges and get results. If your business is dealing with the Environment Agency, this is a must-read.

Read the blog: https://ac-environmental.co.uk/environmental-permit-applications-uk-why-expert-support-matters/

Learn more about our services: https://ac-environmental.co.uk/environmental-rules-and-standard-rules-permit-applications/

17/07/2025

It’s Official: The Waste Exemptions Regime Is Changing

The Environment Agency has confirmed its plans to reform waste exemptions. That means operators using T9, T6, U1 or other exemptions could face big changes, and short deadlines.

Some, like scrap firms, may have just three months to switch to a permit.

We’re here to help you get ahead.
At AC Environmental, our team helps operators across the UK update permits, build practical compliance plans and avoid penalties.
• Permit Applications
• Environmental & Fire Plans
• Compliance Advice
• Planning Support

Read more in our blog post: https://ac-environmental.co.uk/agemcy-announce-intention-to-change-waste-exemptions/

Don’t wait until enforcement arrives, get ready now.

The Environment Agency have announced their intention to amend the Environmental Permitting Regulations to allow changes to the waste exemptions regime. Reforming the waste exemptions system – GOV.UK The changes are as previously announced at the end of the consultation period. These will include ...

17/07/2025

A Plan on Paper Won’t Put Out a Fire.

A recycling company was fined £64,000 this summer, not for not having a Fire Prevention Plan, but for not following it.

At AC Environmental, we help businesses create plans that work in the real world:
• Fire safety
• Environmental compliance
• Planning & permit support

Our recent blog breaks down why practical compliance matters more than paperwork, and how we help make that happen.
Read the full story: https://ac-environmental.co.uk/plans-that-work-why-practical-compliance-matters-more-than-paperwork/

Want to future-proof your business? We’re here to help.