Reminder – Pre-treatment requirements for non-hazardous waste to landfill
As reported in the March edition of In Touch, from 30 October 2007 non-hazardous waste must be treated before it is disposed of at a landfill site. This already applies to hazardous waste. Liquid waste will be banned from any landfill.
Non-hazardous solid waste includes household and builders’ skip waste, soil and rubble. The criteria for adequate treatment are that it must:
- be a physical, thermal, chemical or biological process including sorting
- change the characteristics of the waste
- change the waste to reduce its volume or hazardous nature, facilitate its handling or enhance its recovery.
Waste producers are not obliged to treat the waste themselves, and many may buy this service from a waste contractor.
Landfill operators need to ensure that waste has been treated prior to accepting it at their site. The following options are recommended by the Environment Agency in order to check whether waste has been treated:
- Up-front discussions with the waste producer or contractor about the nature of the waste and any contractual arrangements regarding its treatment.
- Check the paperwork accompanying the load, including a written declaration from the producer or holder that the waste is treated.
- Make an initial visual inspection plus inspection following deposit.
- Carry out ‘audit’ of the producer’s arrangements.
Further information is available from the Environment Agency’s website at:
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/1841950/1841955/1841974/?version=1&lang=_e
Source: www.environment-agency.gov.uk (accessed 10/10/07)