Compliance and Regulations

Compliance and Regulations

The hazardous waste industry in the UK is governed by a comprehensive set of regulations aimed at ensuring the safe handling, transportation, and disposal of hazardous materials. The key regulations:

The Hazardous Waste Regulations (2005)

These regulations set out the legal framework for managing hazardous waste in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. They require businesses to classify, store, transport, and dispose of hazardous waste in a way that minimizes harm to human health and the environment.

Key aspects:

• Businesses must register with the Environment Agency if they produce or handle hazardous waste.
• Hazardous waste must be correctly classified based on its nature and potential impact.
• Accurate records must be kept for three years, detailing the waste’s generation, transportation, and disposal.

The Waste (England and Wales) Regulations (2011)

These regulations require that businesses manage waste responsibly and follow the “waste hierarchy,” prioritising prevention, reuse, recycling, and recovery before disposal. Businesses must ensure that hazardous waste is handled only by licensed waste management companies.

The Control of Pollution (Amendment) Act 1989

This law regulates the transport of hazardous waste. It requires hazardous waste to be accompanied by appropriate documentation, such as a consignment note, which details the type and quantity of waste and the receiving facility.

The Environmental Protection Act 1990

This law outlines the general duties for waste management and disposal, including the need to protect human health and the environment.
It includes provisions for the classification of hazardous waste and sets out the duties of businesses that produce, transport, or dispose of waste.

The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations (2013)

These regulations govern the disposal of electrical and electronic waste, ensuring it is properly collected, recycled, and treated to minimise environmental impact.

The European Waste Catalogue (EWC)

Hazardous waste is classified using codes from the EWC, which provides a standardized list of waste types. The codes help in determining whether a waste is hazardous and in identifying the proper management practices for it.

The Producer Responsibility Regulations

These regulations place the responsibility on producers of certain goods (such as packaging, batteries, or electrical items) to manage their waste and ensure its proper recycling or disposal.

The Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations (2016)

Companies must hold an environmental permit to operate in the hazardous waste sector. This applies to waste treatment, recycling, or disposal facilities, and the permits ensure compliance with environmental standards.

Transportation of Hazardous Waste

The transportation of hazardous waste is heavily regulated. Drivers must be properly trained, and vehicles must meet safety and environmental standards. A consignment note is required to accompany all hazardous waste during transportation, detailing its type, quantity, and final disposal destination.

The REACH Regulation (EU) No 1907/2006

Though this regulation is part of EU law, it continues to apply in the UK post-Brexit under the UK REACH framework. It controls the use of chemicals and their safe handling, including for hazardous waste disposal.

Enforcement and Penalties:

Regulatory bodies such as the Environment Agency in England, Natural Resources Wales, and the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland enforce these regulations. Failure to comply can result in fines, penalties, or imprisonment, as well as reputational damage for companies involved.

These regulations aim to minimise the environmental impact of hazardous waste and ensure that it is managed in a way that protects public health and the environment.