New Hazardous Waste Regulations came into force on 16 July 2005 and significantly changed the way that hazardous wastes are disposed of from businesses. These new regulations replaced the Special Waste Regulations and wastes are now classified by their chemical make up, risk category and hazard, rather than the former, all-encompassing term of 'special'.
Hazardous wastes include:
- Asbestos - chargeable collection service available.
- Oil Filters
- Antifreeze
- Brake Fluid
- Lubricating Oil
- Mixed Fuels
- Lead Acid Batteries
- Parts Washing Fluids
- Contaminated Rags and Granules
- Fluorescent Tubes
- Printing Wastes
- Paint
- Spent Oils
- Solvent Wastes, including contaminated packaging and containers
- Certain Electrical Goods
- Cathode Ray Tube Screens (TVs and computer monitors)
- Other waste materials that were previously consigned as 'Special Waste'
Previously, many of the above were disposed together with general trade waste. This is no longer acceptable. All businesses must demonstrate that hazardous wastes are being disposed of correctly by ensuring that measures are in place to properly segregate, handle and store such wastes. It is illegal to mix different types of hazardous waste materials or mix /disperse them with non-hazardous (general) waste that goes to landfill.
The Duty of Care is being placed more heavily on businesses, as waste producers. If your business produces hazardous waste you will need to register each of your business's operational premises with the Environment Agency. After completing correct documentation and submitting a fee you will be provided with a unique 'Premises Code' for each site. You must use this number whenever you want hazardous waste removed from your premises.
You may register electronically by visiting the Environment Agency website.
Alternatively, you can contact the Environment Agency by telephone and ask to make a hazardous waste registration. Telephone: 08708 502858.
Unless you are registered you will be unable to have hazardous wastes collected from your sites. We cannot collect hazardous waste separately, or co-mingled with general trade waste. Companies offering collections of hazardous waste can be found under the Waste Disposal Services section in your local Yellow Pages.
You must ensure that the company you choose to remove your hazardous waste is properly licensed (with the Environment Agency). It is an offence to pass waste on to a company not fully approved by the Environment Agency.
If you think you have hazardous waste, but are not sure, contact the Environment Agency for advice, Tel: 08708 506506.