New guidance for waste oil burners

Local people who dispose of waste oil by burning it are being advised of new government guidance.

The Welsh Government has reviewed its guidance on the incineration of waste and, in an effort to reduce air pollution, has determined that waste oil burners are now considered as incineration plant.

As such, people who use a waste oil burner - including those that have a permit for their use - are being advised that they either need to apply for a variation of their permit so it would cover a small waste incineration plant; commit to burn only non-waste fuels such as fuel oil or gas; or stop using it completely.

Welsh local authorities are contacting permit holders to let them know of the new requirements and to ask what action they are planning to take, however officers are also keen to spread the message.

Those who wish to surrender their permit should do so by March 31, and any Applications for a Variation of a permit to a small waste incineration plant permit should be submitted by April 30. Where operators are found to be burning waste oil without holding a valid permit then Welsh Local Authorities will consider taking appropriate enforcement action.

For any queries contact the council’s Environmental Protection team on public.protection@powys.gov.uk.