Designed to underpin the practical application of the revised EU Waste Framework Directive – which has replaced the European Hazardous Waste Directive (see letsrecycle.com story) – the consultation asks questions on a number of topics, ranging from infrastructure provision to the timeline for the strategy's implementation.
The draft strategy comprises:
-Seven high level principles for the management of hazardous waste. These include: waste hierarchy; infrastructure provision; reducing reliance on landfill; no mixing or diluting; treatment of organic hazardous waste; ending reliance on the use of the landfill directive waste acceptance criteria derogations; and, the treatment and landfilling of hazardous waste.
-A set of outline decision trees to assist waste producers and waste managers to make the right decisions about the management of their waste and the investment in infrastructure to help move hazardous waste management up the waste hierarchy.
-A timeline of action on issues relating to the introduction and implementation of the strategy.
-A list of guidance relating to the treatment of hazardous waste.
The strategy is designed to set a framework to help hazardous waste producers and managers find the “best solutions” for the waste stream and encourage facility development over the next five to 10 years.
Defra explained: “Clarity is needed on how the requirements of the revised WFD should be implemented, particularly the revised waste hierarchy with respect to the management of hazardous waste.
“The principle aim of the proposed strategy is to deliver sound and, where necessary, improved hazardous waste treatment.”
A consultation was launched last week on the UK's transposition of the revised Waste Framework Directive which included questions relating to three provisions in the Directive which, Defra claimed, could affect the management of hazardous waste.
All responses to the hazardous waste consultation should be received by Tuesday 13 October 2009.
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