Hazardous Waste Legislation 2005

HAZARDOUS WASTE  LEGISLATION 2005

The Hazardous Waste Regulations were enacted in July 2005 and set the rules for controlling and tracking hazardous waste in England or Wales. Certain wastes pose a risk to the environment or health and are subject to stricter regulations. These Regulations established a process for the registration of hazardous waste producers as well as a system to record the movement of waste.

Hazardous wastes are those that are listed in the List of Wastes Regulation. This is a copy of EC’s European Waste Catalogue, created by the EC after the Hazardous Waste Directive. A good example of Hazardous waste which we would not consider is TFT’s or Flast Screen Monitors and TV’s due to the amount of mercury in each unit. The last of Hazardous wastes also covers but is not limited to, Fridges, Freezers, Watercoolers, Ice Makers etc.. Other ways that waste could be considered hazardous include if the Secretary of State declares it to be so or if it’s classified as hazardous under other legislation such as the one controlling asbestos disposal. However, the List of Wastes Regulation and the EWC are the best sources for most wastes.

How to comply

Producer Registration

All commercial and industrial premises that produce more than 500 KG of hazardous waste MUST notify the EA (Environmental Agency)  Furthermore, hazardous waste cannot be collected from unregistered sites.
* Waste producers who fail to register their premises will be charged with an offence
* Any waste contractor who moves waste from an unregistered location will be charged with an offence
* Waste producers must prove to waste contractors that they are registered (via a unique number).
* All registrations must be renewed each year

See the Environment Agency website at http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/topics/waste/32198.aspx

Movement of Hazardous Waste

The Regulations regulate the movement of wastes. A documentation system must be used to document every waste that is taken from premises. The Consignment Note is the most important form for the waste producer. Before waste can be removed, this document must be completed.

* A description of the Waste Detail:
* The process that produces the waste.
* The quantity
* The chemical (and/or biologic) components and their concentrations.
* The hazard codes and the LoW codes (click here to see the List of Wastes).
*, the container type, size, and number.
* Identify where the waste is going
* Give the Consignment Note a unique code number

Strict Record Keeping

Finally, you must keep a record of the consignment notes as well as the quarterly return in order to make them available to Environment Agency upon request.

Summary: The Hazardous Waste Regulations introduced in 2005 replaced the Special Waste Regulations Act of 1996.

These regulations address issues such as the diminishing landfill capacity, especially in London and East of England, as well the rise in waste taken on by treatment facilities and transfer facilities.

Under the regulations, producers of hazardous waste must register their premises with Environment Agency England and Wales. They also need to provide quarterly information on disposal and recovery.

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