The Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005 (replaces the Special Waste Regulations 1996)

THE HAZARDOUS WASTE REGULATIONS (2005)

This legislation is relevant to those wastes that may be hazardous or toxic. They detail how hazardous waste should be kept, stored, treated and disposed of.

The legislation should be of interest to anyone who uses chemicals, products with hazard symbols and/or safety data sheets, and who produces waste, as they may be producing hazardous waste. They will also be useful to anyone else who has to dispose of, carry, keep or treat such wastes.

Household hazardous waste (HHW) presents many challenges. The Hazardous Waste Regulations introduced in July 2005 have brought significant changes to the way in which hazardous waste is classified and dealt with by producers, retailers, collectors and disposers of products including paint, household chemicals and appliances, batteries, televisions and fluorescent tubes. The regulations have had a particular impact on household waste recycling centres (HWRCs), where householders dispose of the majority of HHW. The forthcoming WEEE Regulations will affect producers of waste electronic and electrical equipment and local authorities, again with much of this waste stream being driven through HWRCs.

SOME OF THE KEY POINTS INCLUDE:

  • Implementing a definition of hazardous waste into domestic legislation.
  • It requires producers of hazardous waste to notify their premises (with some exceptions);
  • The end of requirements to pre-notify wastes to the Environment Agency, as previously required under the revoked Special Waste Regulations
  • It ensures safe management of hazardous wastes
  • The Provision of cradle-to-grave documentation for the movement of hazardous waste
  • The Requirement for consignees to keep thorough records of hazardous waste and provide the Environment Agency with quarterly disposal and recovery information.