New CEO guide aims to minimise hazardous waste headache

Citation

(2004), "New CEO guide aims to minimise hazardous waste headache", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 33 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/prt.2004.12933fab.010

New CEO guide aims to minimise hazardous waste headache

New CEO guide aims to minimise hazardous waste headache

Keywords: Hazardous materials, Waste management

A new business-friendly guide published by Envirowise aims to assist chief executives and management teams across the UK deal with new hazardous waste rules which came into force in July 2004.

The publication, Hazardous Waste Management – essential information for business (GG469), alerts senior managers to the opportunities and risks posed by the Landfill Directive and the forthcoming implementation of the European Hazardous Waste List.

On 16 July 2004, a ban on the co-disposal, or mixing, of hazardous wastes with other waste destined for landfill came into effect, and results in the requirement for waste to be pre-treatment before disposal. As a result, the number of landfill operators able to accept hazardous waste is anticipated to fall sharply, with only a dozen or so sites expected to remain in England – and none in Wales. This is set to result in an increase in disposal and associated haulage costs. There will be a similar reduction in landfill capacity in Scotland and Northern Ireland, and associated cost implications.

The need to change waste management practice will be further compounded, as a broader range of waste-types will be reclassified as hazardous under European Hazardous Waste regulations being implemented in each of the four countries of the UK.

Envirowise Director, Martin Gibson, points out that for many businesses, this will mean becoming a hazardous waste producer for the first time, as everyday items such as cars, fluorescent tubes, computers and batteries are all expected to be reclassified.

Hazardous Waste Management – essential information for business (GG469) outlines the nature and aim of the legislation; what counts as hazardous waste and those who will be affected by the new law; and implications and costs for UK businesses, including the advantages of acting now and planning ahead to reduce the impact of the legislation.

Further advice is also available from an independent Envirowise resource efficiency advisor. These advisors conduct free, confidential on-site FastTrack hazardous waste reviews and provide practical help to evaluate all site business activities and the associated costs of hazardous waste. Their objective is to identify avoidable waste and the potential cost savings that it represents to the host company.

Geraint Day, Institute of Directors, said “These amendments to the Landfill Directive have implications for almost all businesses. To keep ahead of changes to regulations expected in the near future, it is a highly advisable to take action now. This should help you avoid litigation and the associated costs as well as making further savings.”

Start minimising the hazardous waste headache today. To order a copy of the new Envirowise publication or request a free on-site FastTrack hazardous waste review call the Environment and Energy Helpline on 0800 585794 or visit the Web site: www.envirowise.gov.uk/hazwaste