What Is Hazardous Waste?

Waste that is potentially toxic, dangerous in nature, harmful to your health, or harmful to the environment.
 
The term “special waste” will be replaced by “hazardous waste” in the regulations.

In 2004 changes in regulations meant the co-disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous waste to landfill was to end.
 

Examples Of Hazardous Waste

Under the changes to the regulation, many more wastes are now classified as hazardous, some which you may not have considered.

New hazardous waste include:

Fluorescent tubes
Batteries
Computer Monitors
Television Sets

Solvents
Chemical Waste
 

All hazardous waste must be segregated and stored separately on your site.

Scotland

Changes came into force on 1st July 2004 to the Special Waste Amendment (Scotland) Regulations 2004.

This legislation was modified to include hazardous wastes such as fluorescent lighting tubes from businesses.

However, many of the other parts of the law of the old Special Waste Regulations remain untouched.

England

The new regulations will replace existing controls in the Special Waste Regulations.

If your company generates hazardous waste you have a legal duty to register with the Environmental Agency annually, any site where hazardous waste is produced.

This replaces the current system of pre-notifying the movement of hazardous waste by sending a consignment note (see legislation contents page) to the Agency.

Wales/Northern Ireland

Modified controls on hazardous waste movement are due to come into force on 16th July 2005.

Who Is Who In Hazardous Waste Transfer?

Producer:

The person who produces the waste.

Consigner:

The consigner causes the waste to be removed or transported from the place where it is being held.

Carrier:

The carrier moves the waste between the premises of the consignor and consignee. 

Consignee:

The consignee accepts the waste for either: treatment, disposal or recovery (e.g. a landfill site).

Considerations

Try to consider alternative materials that may not produce hazardous waste.

Storing Hazardous Waste

Consider the following points when dealing with hazardous waste.

Store liquid hazardous waste in containers in a bunded area.
Check containers for leaks.
Have spill procedures in place - training.
Make sure the hazardous waste is transported by a registered waste carrier.
Inform employees of the storing and disposal of hazardous waste.