Defra and business team up on hazardous waste regulations

The Waste Acceptance Criteria will have to be met by all hazardous waste being disposed to landfill as of July 16th and businesses will have to be able to describe exactly what their waste contains.

This should then help them to minimise it and ensure its safe disposal.

This could pose problems for small businesses in particular who will find themselves producing hazardous waste for the first time. Everyday items such as computer monitors, televisions and fluorescent tubes have joined the likes of asbestos, waste oils and industrial chemicals as hazardous waste.

Ben Bradshaw, Minister for Local Environmental Quality said: “It is essential that businesses act now. With many businesses finding themselves hazardous waste producers for the first time, the full implications of the new controls may not be yet fully appreciated.”

“Tailored advice on how to handle your waste is at hand from your waste contactor and the Environment Agency.”

Regulations have been brought in to improve the tracking and safe management of hazardous waste in England, from the producer to the disposal or treatment facility. Most producers of hazardous waste will be required to notify their premises to the Environment Agency.

A new website has been set up offering free advice for hazardous waste producers. Visit Hazardous Waste Website

By David Hopkins