Businesses must follow a number of hazardous waste rules in England, including the requirement for firms to complete paperwork known as a consignment note when hazardous waste is moved.
A note is needed for all movements of hazardous waste from any premises, but changes designed to remove red tape mean that as of 1 April 2016 businesses in England will be exempt from the requirement to register their sites with the Agency.
It means that businesses eligible for the exemption will save an annual fee to register as hazardous waste producers as well as reducing the administrative burden on these businesses.
The following changes also now apply to the consignment note format:
- Businesses must now replace the first six characters of the consignment note code with the first six letters or numbers (not symbols) of the business name;
- Businesses must ensure consistent use of these six letters or numbers;
- The second set of characters will continue to be five numbers or letters of their choosing, which may be followed by an additional letter if specified;
- The term exempt will no longer be used;
- The requirement for the SIC (standard industrial classification) code on the consignment note has also changed. The EA previously accepted SIC 2003, SIC 2007 and NACE on consignment notes and will continue to allow the use of NACE.
If waste is moved from England into Wales, Scotland or Ireland the consignment note code will need to use the new format. However, the changes only apply to hazardous waste consignments in England. Businesses in Wales should continue to register with Natural Resources Wales consignment procedure.
Remondis
“The change is set to deliver clear benefits and it is vital that businesses understand the opportunity as soon as possible.”
Louise Holt
Remondis UK joint managing director
Waste giant Remondis has welcomed the decision to exempt hazardous waste businesses in England from needing to register their premises as it said this would help to reduce the administrative burden on businesses.
The firm is also seeking to remind the businesses it works with of the need to check they are using the correct consignment note format.
Louise Holt, joint managing director of Remondis UK, said: “The change is set to deliver clear benefits and it is vital that businesses understand the opportunity as soon as possible.
“Remondis is managing the process on our customers’ behalf to ensure a smooth transition, and has adjusted its IT systems accordingly to ensure businesses remain fully compliant with the latest guidelines. If anyone is unaware of the changes, or needs advice or assistance on how to generate the new note numbers, please do not hesitate to contact us.”
The overhaul of the consignment note procedure follows changes to the way hazardous chemical waste is assessed and classified, which came into effect last June alongside the Agency’s ‘WM3’ guidance document for those who produce, manage or regulate waste (see letsrecycle.com story).
Register for free to comment