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Waste is hazardous when it contains substances or has
properties that might make it harmful to human health
or the environment.
Hazardous wastes are mainly produced in the industrial
sector as many processes such as those involved in the
chemical and primary metal industries employ hazardous
raw materials.
Soils may also be considered hazardous waste as they
may be contaminated with hazardous materials such as
heavy metals, pesticides or oil etc.
The majority of hazardous waste is treated and disposed
of on site by the waste producer or by private contractors.
The most popular route for disposal of hazardous waste
is to landfill. Hazardous waste can only be disposed
of at landfill sites accepting only hazardous waste.
The only landfill site licensed to take hazardous waste
in Cumbria is at LillyHall in Workington and is operated
by Alco Waste Management. For further information about
this site contact Alco on 01900 608723
Incineration of hazardous waste with energy recovery
is environmentally the preferred disposal option, but
the costs involved with the treatment of flu gas emissions
can mean that disposal costs can be 10 – 50 times
more expensive than landfill.
Legislation
In the past hazardous waste has been termed special
waste and as such was subject to Special Waste Regulations
(1996). However from the 16th of July 2005 the Special
Waste Regulations will be replaced by the Hazardous
Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2005 and the term
special waste will be replaced by hazardous waste. These
new regulations will have an impact on the way that
businesses deal with their hazardous waste.
Under the new regulations, any business in England
or Wales that creates waste falling into one of a range
of categories designated as 'hazardous' may need to
register their premises with the Environment Agency.
Many wastes have been newly designated as 'hazardous',
meaning that many businesses not previously subject
to regulation will now need to change their practices
and comply with the rules in order to dispose of their
waste legally. Businesses that produce only small amounts
of 'hazardous' waste however, may qualify for exemption
from the need to register their premises.
Failure to register could have serious consequences.
Waste carriers will not collect waste from an unregistered
producer and, ultimately, failing to register could
be a prosecutable offence.
The charges for premises notification are,
(a) £28 for each premises notified in writing;
(b) £23 for each premises notified by telephone;
and
(c) £18 for each premises notified in electronic
form.
Links to more information
Environment
Agency A guide to the Hazardous Waste Regulations (incorporating
the lists of waste regulations) – what is hazardous
waste?’ and ‘A guide to the Hazardous Waste
Regulations – site premises notification
CIWM Hazardous
Waste: are you ready
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