The Hazardous Waste Regulations came
into force in 2005 and significantly changed the way that
businesses may dispose of hazardous wastes. These new regulations
replaced the Special Waste Regulations and wastes are now
classified by their chemical make up, risk category and hazard,
rather than the former, all-encompassing term of ‘special’.
Previously, many of the above were disposed of together with
general trade waste. Such co-disposal operations are now not
acceptable.
All businesses must demonstrate that hazardous wastes are
being disposed of correctly by ensuring that measures are in place
to properly segregate, handle and store such wastes. It is
illegal to mix different types of hazardous waste materials or mix
/disperse them with non-hazardous (general) waste that goes to
landfill.
The Duty of Care (ie correct handling procedure for waste) is
being placed more heavily on businesses, as waste producers. The
Environment Agency has stated that the consequences for businesses
not complying with the new Hazardous Waste Regulations are likely
to be significant fines and damage to a company’s
reputation.
If your business produces hazardous waste (such as the
materials listed above) you will need to register each of your
business's operational premises with the Environment
Agency. After completing correct documentation, and submitting
a fee, you will be provided with a unique ‘Premises Code’ for each
site. You must use this number whenever you want hazardous
waste removed from your premises.
Alternatively, you can contact
the Environment Agency by telephone on 08708 502858 and ask to make
a hazardous waste registration.
Ryedale District Council cannot collect hazardous waste
separately, or co-mingled with general trade waste. Unless you are
registered you will be unable to have hazardous wastes collected
from your sites. Companies offering collections of hazardous
waste can be found under the Waste Disposal Services section in
your local Yellow Pages. Locally, both Yorwaste tel. (01609)
774400 and Todds Waste Management tel. (01944) 758432 offer this
service. RB Markets in Scarborough tel. (01723 584041) offer a
service to collect hazardous, as well as non-hazardous electrical
items.
You must ensure that the company you choose to remove your
hazardous waste is properly licensed (with the Environment Agency).
It is an offence to pass waste on to a company not fully approved
by the Environment Agency.
If you think you have hazardous waste, but are not sure,
contact the Environment Agency for advice, tel: 08708 506506.