A survey of more than 1,000 small and medium-sized businesses in England and Wales found that only 28% knew that new hazardous waste regulations will take effect from July 16.
”Many are not aware that their waste is hazardous and must be managed very carefully. “
– Liz Parkes, Environment Agency
The new regulations mean producers of wastes that fall into the term “hazardous” must register sites with the Agency. And, some waste materials and items have been newly-designated as “hazardous”, such as televisions and fluorescent lights.
The Environment Agency said this week it will be enforcing the new regulations such that anyone found to be illegally dumping or deliberately trying to pass off hazardous waste as non-hazardous could face prosecution.
Failure to register sites generating hazardous waste could have “serious consequences”, the Agency warned. Waste carriers will not collect waste from an unregistered producer and, ultimately, failing to register will incur prosecution.
Producers also need to consign their waste to properly authorised sites, the Agency warned, which means knowing what is in the waste.
Targetting
Liz Parkes, head of waste regulation at the Environment Agency, said: “With regards to enforcement, we will be targeting our routine checks where we can have the greatest impact. We will continue to come down hard on anyone that knowingly flouts the rules.”
The Agency said awareness of the new regulations is higher within industries already highly-regulated, including the chemicals and non-ferrous metals industries. But, only one in five businesses in the motor vehicle service and repair sector were aware.
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“These results show that many are not aware that their waste is hazardous and must be managed very carefully,” Ms Parkes said.
“We have worked closely with industry, set up workshops and roadshows, and published guidance to raise awareness of the changes so everyone should be aware that these rules are coming. Anyone who wants more information can call our helpline or log onto our website,” she added.
Information on the new rules and details on how to register can be found on the Environment Agency website at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/newrulesonwaste. Advice can also be gained by calling 08708 502858.
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