These Regulations require operators of landfill sites to inspect the waste on receipt and satisfy himself that the waste conforms to the description provided in the transfer documentation. If waste does not conform to the description, the waste consignment will be refused. The waste description must conform to the European Waste Catalogue definitions (see below).
The European Parliament introduced a new Directive, 2008/98/EC, on waste and repealing certain Directives. The Directive lays down measures to protect the environment and human health by preventing or reducing the adverse impacts of the generation and management of waste and by reducing overall impacts of resource use and improving efficiency of such use.
The 2011 Scotland Regulations make a number of amendments to a variety of Scottish waste legislation to transpose aspects of Directive 2008/98/EC on waste into Scottish law.
The Environmental Permitting (EP) Regulations will introduce new and revised standard rules and generic risk assessments concerning waste operations under the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Directive. Expected during 2009. Standard rules define how operators must carry out activities, for example by limiting the types of waste that can be brought onto a site. If an operator wishes to carry out an activity covered by standard rules they can apply for a standard permit. This will be quicker and easier than applying for a bespoke permit with a more detailed assessment. (Details on consultation).
These Hazardous Waste Regulations affects handlers of hazardous waste in England and Wales. The Regulations require hazardous waste producers to notify the Environment Agency before hazardous wastes can be removed from the premises. Certain low risk premises are exempted from the Regulations as long as they produce less than a specified amount of hazardous waste per annum. The qualifying limitation has risen from 200kg to 500kg. See also 'Explanatory Note'.
- The Waste Batteries and Accumulators Regulations 2009
The EU's Directive on Batteries and Accumulators and Waste Batteries and Accumulators (2006/66/EC) aims to reduce the environmental impact of portable, automotive and industrial batteries by increasing recycling and 'greening' the supply chain that produces and distributes them. It applies to all types of batteries regardless of shape, volume, weight, material composition or use.
The Waste Batteries and Accumulators Regulations 2009 came into force on 5th May 2009 which establish the legislative framework for the collection, treatment and recycling of waste batteries and accumulators in the UK.
A key element requires persons placing batteries on the market to register as a producer of batteries, and report on waste batteries collected and sent for recycling.
These regulations establish the scope of 'producer responsibility', requiring producers of batteries and accumulators to take responsibility for separately collecting and recycling batteries and accumulators once they become waste.
The over-arching Battery Directive aims to improve the environmental performance of those involved in the life cycle of batteries, e.g. producer, distributors, end-users and waste operators. The regulations aim to protect the environment from hazardous compounds found in industrial and automotive batteries. It prohibits the disposal of untreated industrial and automotive batteries to landfill or by incineration. Operators are required to store batteries only on an impermeable surface and under weatherproof covering;
Requirements for handling batteries will also see amendments to existing licenses granted under the Waste Licensing Regulations 1994 and existing permits granted under the Pollution Prevention and Control (Scotland) Regulations 2000. |