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Every year the UK produces around 435 million tonnes
of waste, of which 57 million tonnes comes from industry
and a further 26 million tonnes from commercial premises.
Construction and demolition waste represents around
105 million tones with agricultural wastes, mining and
quarry wastes, sewage sludge and dredged materials making
up the balance. (Source:
DEFRA e-digest of environmental statistics)
What is waste?
Waste is ‘any substance or object… which
the holder discards or intends or is required to discard’
Types of Waste
Controlled Waste
Controlled waste is the UK term for wastes controlled
under the EU Waste Framework Directive which is transposed
into UK law by the Environmental Protection Act (1990)
and Controlled Waste Regulations.
There are 3 main types of controlled waste:
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Household: from various types of dwellings including
houses, caravans, campsites, schools, colleges and
universities
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Commercial: from premises used wholly or mainly
for trade, business, sport, recreation or entertainment
-
Industrial: from any factory or industrial process
Uncontrolled Waste
Uncontrolled waste is not legislated for under the Waste
Framework Directive but has regulations of its own
There are 3 main types of uncontrolled waste
-
Agricultural: Agricultural waste is currently regulated
under the Agricultural Act (1947). However in 2005
(date not yet announced) agricultural waste will
become controlled waste and subject to legal regulations
under the Environmental Protection Act … more
details
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Mining
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Radioactive: controlled by the Radioactive Substance
Act 1993
Duty of Care
As a producer of controlled waste you have a responsibility
(Duty
of Care) under the Environmental Protection Act
to ensure that
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Waste is transferred for suitable treatment and
disposal by an authorised operator.
-
Those involved in the storage, transport, treatment
and disposal of waste take reasonable measures to
prevent pollution to the environment or harm to
human to health
-
Records as to the nature of the waste are made
and kept.
The Duty of Care is enforced by the Environment Agency.
Depending upon the seriousness of the offence the Environment
Agency has a range of legal powers to enforce compliance.
In serious situations this can result in shutting down
a process and prosecution.
There is no risk free disposal option for
waste. By reducing our waste production we will in turn
reduce our impact on the environment from waste facilities
Source: Environment
Agency Spotlight on business environmental performance
Report 2001
Waste Management Hierarchy
Improvements in your company’s waste management
practices will be achieved by moving up the Waste Management
Hierarchy.
Waste Management Hierarchy |
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To find out more information and advice
click on one of the subject below
Waste Reduction
Further Information
Waste Re-Use
Waste Recycling
Waste Disposal
Can’t find the information you need?
These sections are intended as a gateway to information
on Waste. If you cannot find the information you require
and feel that this site should cover it please contact
us and we will endeavour to help you as well as
updating the site Or click here to view our FAQ
page.
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Waste Service Providers
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