Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005
On July 16th 2005, the Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005 came into force and were produced not only as part of a framework for the controlled management of Hazardous Waste but to replace the Special Waste Regulations. The new hazardous waste definition covers a much wider range of wastes and is far broader than that of special waste. It is commonly defined as containing substances or possessing properties that may make it harmful to human health or the surrounding environment but this does not mean that such waste is toxic imminently as it could be prolonged over a period of time.
It includes common items such as:
- Fluorescent tubes
- Television sets
- Fridges
- PC Monitors
- Batteries
- Aerosols and Paint
- Contaminated soils
With the new regulations in place, waste producers along with the consignors have an additional set of rules to abide by, details of which are given below:
- Producers must avoid mixing hazardous wastes with non-hazardous wastes. In future, common items such as fluorescent tubes, computer monitors, Ni-Cd or mercury batteries must not be placed in skips containing mixed non-hazardous wastes.
- All producers must still complete a consignment note to accompany the waste, but there is no longer a requirement to pre-notify the Environment Agency 72 hours before the removal of the waste.
- All producers of hazardous wastes must register the premises at which their waste arises with the Environment Agency, unless they fall into the category of an exempt producer, and generate less than 200kg of hazardous waste per year.
- Producers must maintain records for three years.
- Notification of premises - Since July 2005 it has been an offence and in breach of the new regulations to produce or remove hazardous waste from any premises that haven’t been notified or are not exempt.
For further information please visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk
