Key points regarding removal of hazardous waste
There are procedures that must be followed under the Hazardous Waste Regulations if you produce, move, receive or dispose of hazardous waste.
If you produce waste – find out whether or not it is hazardous
Hazardous and non-hazardous wastes cannot be mixed
A consignment note must be completed before moving hazardous waste
A hazardous waste producer needs to register with the Environment Agency before hazardous waste can be removed from a site or premises.
It is an offence for hazardous waste to be removed from a site that has not been registered.
Registered sites where hazardous waste is being produced are subject to an Environment Agency inspection.
Registered sites where hazardous waste is being produced must keep a record of all waste removed.
Which wastes are classed as hazardous?
The latest definition of 'hazardous' are based upon the European Waste Catalogue. The European Waste Catalogue (EWC) classifies waste materials and categorises them according to what they are and how they were produced.
The EWC includes the following classification of waste materials:
- Wastes resulting from exploration, mining, quarrying, physical and
chemical treatment of minerals
- Wastes from agriculture, horticulture, aquaculture, forestry, hunting and
fishing, food preparation and processing
- Wastes from wood processing and the production of panels and furniture,
pulp, paper and cardboard
- Wastes from the leather, fur and textile industries
- Wastes from petroleum refining, natural gas purification and pyrolytic
treatment of coal
- Wastes from inorganic and organic chemical processes
- Wastes from the manufacture, formulation, supply and use (MFSU) of
coatings (paints, varnishes and vitreous enamels), adhesives, sealants and
printing inks
- Wastes from the photographic industry
- Wastes from thermal processes
- Wastes from chemical surface treatment and coating of metals and other
materials; non-ferrous hydro-metallurgy
- Wastes from shaping and physical and mechanical surface treatment of
metals and plastics
- Oil wastes and wastes of liquid fuels (except edible oils)
- Waste organic solvents, refrigerants and propellants
- Waste packaging (absorbents, wiping cloths, filter materials and
protective clothing)
- Construction and demolition wastes (including excavated soil from
contaminated sites)
- Wastes from human or animal health care and/or related research (except
kitchen and restaurant wastes not arising from immediate health care)
- Municipal wastes (household waste and similar commercial, industrial and
institutional wastes) including separately collected fractions
Can hazardous and non-hazardous wastes be mixed?
The mixing of hazardous and non-hazardous waste prohibited under the Hazardous Waste Regulations. Waste producers must segregate wastes where this is possible.
Is a consignment note is required before moving hazardous waste?
With very few exceptions, a consignment note must be completed before any hazardous waste is removed from a site. A copy of the consignment note will accompany the carrier when removing the hazardous waste. Other copies will be kept by the waste producer and the waste recipient. The consignment note contains the information required by the latest regulations and includes a description of the hazardous waste.
The recipient of the hazardous waste or consignee will submit a report to the Environment Agency giving details of the waste received on each consignment. The consignee also provides a regular report to the waste producer confirming that the waste has been received and processed.
Waste producers need to keep a record of their waste. Carriers must also keep a register of the consignment note copies for three years. Consignees need to keep all copies until they surrender their site licence.
Visit the Environment Agency website for more information regarding dealing with hazardous waste, including the following documents:
Consolidated version of the European Waste Catalogue
WSS hazardous waste removal services
WSS provide services for hazardous waste removal, cleaning up smaller sites as well as handling larger decontamination projects – Why not contact our trained advisory staff to discuss the best way to deal with your hazardous waste problem and to request a quote.
