Some types of waste are classified as hazardous because they contain toxic components or require special disposal.
This waste used to be known as special waste but since the adoption of the Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005, it is termed ‘hazardous’.
The definition has also changed. 200 additional wastes are now classified as hazardous. Some of the most common items are listed below:
- batteries
- fluorescent tubes
- fridges
- televisions
- computer monitors
- oil filters.
If you are unsure whether any of the waste you produce would now be classified as hazardous waste, please refer to the European Waste Catalogue 2002, and other advice on the Environment Agency’s website.
What do the new regulations mean for producers of hazardous waste?
You may need to register with the Environment Agency
If you generate any kind of hazardous waste on a regular basis, you must register with the Environment Agency as soon as possible, and annually thereafter. Register on-line by following the link on the right, or by phone on 08708 502858.
If you are a small business producing less than 200kg of hazardous waste each year, you may be exempt from registration. Please check with the Environment Agency in this case.
Once registered you will be given a unique code. It will become an offence for any waste company to collect hazardous waste from you if you have not registered.
You must identify your waste products
You will need to identify each waste that you produce according to the appropriate code number from the European Waste Catalogue (EWC 2002 - see the Environment Agency's website for further details).
The codes for hazardous wastes are marked with an asterisk. Your waste contractor will need to know these codes so they can ensure your waste is being disposed of correctly.
You must complete records of hazardous waste disposal
It is your responsibility as the producer of the waste to provide complete records of hazardous waste for disposal.
Your waste can be collected immediately
Previously, a three-day notification period was required before hazardous waste could be cleared from a site.
Now hazardous waste can be moved immediately, provided the site has been registered as a producer of hazardous waste.
You will receive returns from final disposal points
Final disposal points will be responsible for providing the Environment Agency and you, the producer, with quarterly returns detailing the volumes and types of hazardous waste removed from each site in that period.
You musn't mix hazardous waste with non-hazardous waste
You will no longer be able to dispose of hazardous waste together with non-hazardous waste. Your general waste must not therefore contain any items of hazardous waste.