Most farmers would have originally applied for their waste exemptions in 2013, but they only last for three years, so many are now coming to an end.

This means thousands of farmers will need to re-register over the next few weeks in order to carry on practices such as burning hedge or tree cuttings in the open or using rubble to maintain tracks and roads around the farm.

All farmers who already have a waste exemption registration should get a postal reminder to re-register. However, it can be easy to miss as they only get one reminder, even if they hold multiple exemptions.

Fortunately, re-registering is a simple process and should only take a few minutes to complete.

Earlier this year the Environment Agency rolled out a brand new digital service for registering waste exemptions online (https://wasteexemptions.service.gov.uk).

There is no charge for making an application and farmers can re-register anytime a month before their waste exemptions expire. Most people will need to apply during September or October if they have not done so already.