The new requirement for compliance with the Duty of Care regulation
The waste industry is constantly changing, as are your responsibilities with regard to the way in which your waste is managed. SITA UK feels that it is essential that our customers be at all times compliant with all new legislation that the Government introduces. To this end, the Environment Agency want all waste producers to take more responsibility for their waste and for them to make simple improvements in the management of their waste to deliver a better environment.
This requirement stems from the Landfill (England and Wales) Regulations 2002, as amended. Additionally, Government are currently reviewing the existing Duty of Care Regulations 1991, which is likely to lead to a new legal framework for all waste producers and carriers.
To help our customers understand the new requirements we have put together a brief note regarding the change and some practical steps in which we can assist you in meeting the new regulations.
What is the new requirement?
Currently, the producer is required to segregate hazardous waste from non-hazardous wastes and all hazardous wastes must be pre-treated before being deposited at landfill.
From the 30 October 2007, all non-hazardous waste must also be pre-treated before it is disposed of at landfill sites.
Who is affected?
Both the producers of waste and those who accept the waste are affected by these new regulations.
What is the legislation behind this?
The new rules are a result of a European wide requirement relating to the disposal of waste at landfill passed in 2002.
Why is this happening?
Movement in Europe to develop a more sustainable approach to waste management with a reduction in the reliance on landfill as the primary means of treatment is behind the growing momentum to environmental responsibility.
How can SITA UK help you to choose the right treatment option for you?
Our philosophy is to find a balance in the waste management system we recommend to our customers.
SITA UK have, in an effort to help our customers meet the new regulations, introduced recycling and hazardous waste collection schemes across the country, which can be adapted to suit all sizes of business.
By using these services to separate out your hazardous waste and then by diverting the recyclable element of the remainder away from landfill you will be able to meet your obligations under these new regulations.
What should I do now?
As the ability to send waste directly to landfill ends in October 2007, waste producers are required to record how they 'pre-treat' their waste.
SITA UK has devised a simple pre-treatment form (click here to download the form) which can be completed and faxed back to us on the numbers listed below:
- North: 01246 452987
- South East: 0208 561 5994
- South West: 0117 971 9056
This form details how you are pre-treating your waste and will then become part of your Duty of Care documentation, which as a SITA UK customer will be held by us on your behalf for any subsequent communication with the relevant Environment Agency.
Upon receipt of the form, one of our consultants will contact you to discuss the best way forward.
What if I haven’t heard anything about this until now?
If you have not already spoken to us or completed the required forms you must act now or you may run the risk of punitive fines from the EA, but we will do all we can to prevent this.
Contact us
For more information, please do not hesitate to contact us on 0870 421 1122 or email enquiries@sita.co.uk
