On the 28th September 2011, the UK formally adopts the revised Waste Framework Directive, this has a number of implications for waste producers and those handling waste materials. The primary change is the introduction of the Waste Hierarchy, which requires the adoption of the approach with lowest environmental impact.
Key Principles of the Waste Framework Directive
Hazardous waste should be managed by waste producers and waste managers in accordance with the waste hierarchy
In applying the waste hierarchy, hazardous waste producers and waste managers shall select the option for hazardous waste treatment, recovery or disposal that delivers the best overall environmental outcome, rather than the lowest cost option, and take into account the resource value of hazardous wastes, and the need for health and safety to be maintained
This may require specific hazardous waste streams departing from the hierarchy where this is justified by life-cycle thinking on the overall impacts of the generation and management of such waste
The obligated party must be able to demonstrate they have a system to how how this conclusion has been reached. All waste transfer and consignment notes must contain a declaration to demonstrate the hierarchy has been considered before dispatching the waste, copies of which are retained for at least 3 years (or 5 years for waste sites).
Tradebe can offer practical advice on compliance by contacting your nominated sales representative or contacting uksales@tradebe.com
A copy of the latest Defra Guidance can be accessed by the link below.
http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/waste/legislation/waste-hierarchy/
- In the UK this is interpreted as;-
- Waste Reduction at source (most Preferable)
- Reuse (in an physically unchanged form)
- Recycle/recover (reuse as a raw material in another process/remanufacture)
- Recovery of energy (eg waste to energy plant)
- Treatment for Disposal (eg physico chemical treatment such as neutralisation or incineration)
- Disposal in Landfill (least preferable)
