Legislation

What is it?

Hazardous waste is waste that may be harmful to human health or the environment. It can include:

• Asbestos

• Chemical wastes

• Electrical equipment containing hazardous components such as cathode ray tubes or lead solder

• Fluorescent light tubes

• Healthcare wastes

• Lead-acid batteries

• Oily sludges

• Pesticides

• Solvents.

Who is affected?

If your business produces hazardous waste, it is important that it is dealt with appropriately. There are special provisions for:

• Domestic waste (except for asbestos waste)

• Mineral wastes from mining and quarrying activities

• Most radioactive wastes

• Used explosives.

Producers of hazardous waste cannot dispose of these wastes along with general waste. Attempts to do so can result in fines of up to £5,000.

To read more on dealing with hazardous waste please visit the Environment Agency website.

What must you do?

You must register as a hazardous waste producer with the Environment Agency before you allow any hazardous waste to leave your premises; and each site must be registered. The Environment Agency will then issue you with a unique registration code.

Your premises may be exempt if you produce less than 500kg of hazardous waste in any 12 month period. To read more on exemptions from registration please visit the Environment Agency’s website and Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) regulations 2005.