Your business is responsible for any waste it creates. The law has changed significantly in the last two years and you can be fined if you dispose of waste wrongly. More and more waste is considered hazardous – items such as computer monitors and fluorescent lighting tubes for example – and as a result many extra businesses need to comply with new regulations. Costs are up and it is vital to understand and follow the rules.
You must store waste securely and safely in suitable containers and make sure it does not harm the environment. All waste must be disposed of correctly using an ‘authorised person’ such as the local council or a waste contractor. When you hand over your waste you have to complete a waste transfer note which describes what the waste is. Keep this paperwork for at least two years.
If you dispose of hazardous or toxic waste there are special rules to follow. Since July 2004 it has been illegal to dispose hazardous waste at the same landfill as non-hazardous and if you get it wrong and dispose of your waste incorrectly you may be fined up to £5,000. The restrictions have led to a huge reduction in the number of landfill sites accepting hazardous waste and as a result waste disposal is even more expensive.
There are two main categories of hazardous waste – “absolute entries” and “minor entries” (hazard symbols or safety-data sheets are a good indicating that material is covered by special rules). If you are unsure you can either contact a waste contractor in your area or check the full list of waste classifications from the Environmental Agency www.environment-agency.gov.uk . Waste contractors and businesses which transport waste or arrange to collect or transport it on behalf of others, need a licence. If you manufacturer or retail electrical and electronic equipment you will have to comply with the new WEEE directive (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment), which basically means you must allow customers to return items for disposal.
If your waste is covered by the special rules you must complete a consignment note when the waste is moved or disposed of. Everyone involved in transferring it must retain a copy of the note for three years, with copies passed to the Environment Agency. Most sites that produce hazardous waste must register annually.
Businesses which turnover more than £2m and handle more than 50 tonnes of packaging a year must also register, or join an approved compliance scheme. Such companies must then provide evidence to show they are recovering and recycling a set amount of packaging waste (a compliance scheme can do this for most companies). “Handling packaging” can mean a number of things. It can mean manufacturing raw materials used for packaging, such as cardboard, turning these raw materials into packaging (making cardboard boxes for example), putting goods into packaging, selling packaging or packaged goods and also importing packaging.
To get a waste contractor, speak to other local businesses and get recommendations. Be wary of cheap unlicensed contractors who may dispose of waste illegally. For advice on packaging waste legislation, and the management and transportation of waste, contact the Environment Agency (08708 506). For advice on the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive contact www.dti.gov.uk/sustainability/weee
Waste disposal is expensive, but it is a legal requirement. It must be part of your health and safety policy and as such the procedures should be written down and followed carefully. Remember also that good waste management could save you money.
