Agency issues guidance on new hazardous waste regulations

Businesses that produce wastes classified as “hazardous” under the new regulations must register with the Agency from tomorrow.

The new guidance helps companies understand whether they must meet the new rules for disposing of any of their waste, and provides a step-by-step guide to compliance.

Under the Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2005, many new wastes have been designated as 'hazardous', meaning that many businesses not previously subject to regulation will now need to change their practices and comply with the rules in order to dispose of their waste legally.

Businesses that produce only small amounts of 'hazardous' waste however, may qualify for exemption from the need to register their premises.

Failure to register could have serious consequences, the Agency said. Waste carriers will not collect waste from an unregistered producer and, ultimately, failing to register could be a prosecutable offence.

Roy Watkinson, Hazardous Waste Policy Manager, at the Environment Agency said: “The new regulations mean tighter controls on hazardous waste and as a result there may be more companies and businesses producing hazardous waste. Many of them may be unaware that some of the everyday items they throw away are hazardous and need to be handled correctly.

Guidance
The Environment Agency's guidance, which will help businesses to ensure that they comply with the Hazardous Waste Regulations, sets out what waste will be considered to be hazardous, who the new rules will affect and what they need to do about it.

“This information will help them to understand if they are affected by the new rules, if they need to register, and how they can do that. From 3rd of May companies will be able to register quickly and easily over the phone or online,” Mr Watkinson said.

Companies wishing to register before 3rd of May can do so by calling 08708 502858 to obtain a registration form.

The two sets of guidance and other useful information relating to the new regulations can be found at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/newrulesonwaste