Criticism of the Environment Agency for authorising the export of thousands of tonnes of leaded glass from Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) screens for recycling in the Netherlands has been described as inaccurate by the regulator.
A group of UK-based CRT glass recyclers has called upon the Agency to prohibit the export of material to Jansen BV as it claims that the practice undermines the recycling of CRT glass in the UK.
The recyclers, which include Lincolnshire-based Environcom, and Kent-based SWEEEP Kuusakoski claim that Jansens reprocessing techniques are contrary to existing UK recycling standards and that allowing export to the firm is threatening investment into UK CRT recycling industry.
According to the group, CRT glass reprocessed by the Dutch firm is then encapsulated into concrete construction blocks, and sold back to the UK market a practice that they claim, would not be permissible by any firm operating in the UK.
Increasingly, competition for the supply of CRT glass is becoming fiercer, as less of the material is available as the technology is no longer widely used.
Treatment
Patrick Watts managing director of SWEEEP Kuusakoski Ltd says: The law regarding the recycling of hazardous leaded waste CRT glass in the UK is that it should be treated to BATRRT (best available treatment recovery and recycling techniques).
‘The facility accepting the waste is regulated by the Dutch competent Authority, we accept the view of the Dutch authority that it is a properly regulated recycling facility.’
Environment Agency
The companies that have invested millions to follow this law are now seriously compromised by the EAs contradictory decision to allow export to Jansen. The analysis of the concrete blocks by independent agencies shows that they are sub-standard to British guidelines and yet they are allowed to be sold back to the UK to compete against UK made quality items.
Guidelines
However, Jansen has strongly defended its practices, adding that it is fully permitted by the Dutch authorities, and the concrete product it manufactures Legioblock is produced in accordance with manufacturing guidelines.
A company spokesperson said: Jansen is processing CRT glass in accordance with Dutch legislation and Weeelabex. The Legioblocks are manufactured in accordance with the guidelines of the European standard (NEN) EN-15258 and are certified by KIWA, a government qualified organization.
Meanwhile, the Environment Agency has dismissed any calls for it to act against Jansen, adding that the company has not been deemed to be acting inappropriately.
A spokeswoman for the Agency, said: The Environment Agency is required to approve the export of wastes like leaded glass and in this case we gave that approval. There is a market for legitimately exporting waste to be processed or reused.
The facility accepting the waste is regulated by the Dutch competent Authority, we accept the view of the Dutch authority that it is a properly regulated recycling facility. If the Dutch were to decide that the glass was not being properly recycled/recovered, we would, of course, revisit our approval for the export.
Once waste is turned into blocks it is not a waste product, as such it is not subject to waste regulations.
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