Hazardous Waste Regulations

The Hazardous Waste Regulations set the rules for identifying hazardous materials and controlling their management, reprocessing and responsible disposal to ensure the safety of the public and the environment. Common examples of hazardous wastes include fluorescent tubes, cleaning fluids, batteries, and oils.

From 2004, the co-disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous waste has been banned.

Registration

If you produce hazardous waste in England or Wales, you must register your premises annually with the Environment Agency before the waste is moved from your premises unless you produce less than 200kg of hazardous waste per year.

Your responsibilities:

  • You must ensure the hazardous waste is stored in suitable containers
  • You must provide written instructions to your employees on the safe storage and disposal of the hazardous substances you produce
  • The handling and storage should only be carried out by an organisation authorised to do so
  • The hazardous waste should only be disposed of at a facility that is authorised to accept that type of waste.
  • A consignment note must be completed for every load of hazardous waste you transfer from your premises. These notes must be kept for three years.

For more information contact the Hazardous Waste team.

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