Under new regulations, any business in England and Wales that creates waste falling into one of a range of categories designated as 'hazardous' may need to register with the Environment Agency. The regulations bring in new EU definitions of “hazardous” which mean items such as computer monitors, which weren't classed as hazardous before now fall under the term's definition.
”If companies don’t register with the Agency they could find themselves being prosecuted but also with a problem getting someone to take their waste away “
– Liz Parkes, Environment Agency
The Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005 require waste management companies collecting from sites producing hazardous waste to check that the site is either registered with the Agency or has an exemption.
Businesses are already able to register by phone or post, but now they can use the online service. This method is also cheaper with the cost for applying in writing at 28 and electronically 18.
Liz Parkes, head of waste regulation at the Agency said: “The new rules mean that more businesses out there will be producing hazardous waste.
“Many of them won't realise that some of the items they throw away will, from July, be reclassified and will need to be managed carefully as they pose a risk to the environment and human health.”
Regulations
From 16 July 2005 items such as fluorescent lighting tubes, computer monitors and TVs will be classed as hazardous waste. Businesses producing this waste will be subject to the Hazardous Waste Regulations, which replace the existing Special Waste Regulations.
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Ms Parkes added: “If companies don’t register with the Agency they could find themselves being prosecuted but also with a problem getting someone to take their waste away as it will be an offence for anyone to handle it. The new online system makes it easier and cheaper to register.”
Some businesses producing less than 200kg of hazardous waste in any 12-month period hazardous waste may qualify for an exemption. However, this does not apply to all businesses producing low amounts of hazardous waste and companies should seek advice from the Agency.
Wyvern
This week Wyvern Waste in Somerset became the latest waste management company to offer a hazardous waste collection service.
Andrew Olie, managing director of the firm said: “Regulations are getting tighter and I think many smaller companies in particular are unaware of what their new obligations are.
“It can be quite tricky these days for companies to dispose of waste – like electrical equipment – which in some cases is now deemed to be hazardous.”
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