Regulations update

Storage of chemical toilet waste

It was said by Benjamin Franklin that: 'In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.' He could have added 'and changes to environmental regulations.'

At present the storage of chemical toilet waste is classed as low risk and does not require an exemption or an Environmental Permit (EP), but from 1 October 2010 this will change and an EP will be required for this activity.

If, from October, you store chemical toilet waste on site you must apply for an EP if you wish to continue storing waste. The Environment Agency (EA) are aware that companies may have to make changes so will allow up to six months from the EP application for this activity compliance to be achieved. During the six month period from an application the existing regulations will remain as the legal position.

For further information logon to www.environment­agency.gov.uk/exemptions

Waste Controls (England and Wales) Regulations delayed

It was reported in the autumn 2009 Organic Waste news that the above regs were expected to come into force in October 2009 following the second consultation. The latest news is that the regulations are likely to be separated into two sections.

Section one - dealing with waste carrier and broker registration is likely to be introduced later this year.

Section two - regulations relating to stop, search and seizure of vehicles and part of the waste controls enforcement regime, is likely to be introduced in late 2011.

Like 'death and taxes' we know environmental regulations will happen

- we just don't know when!

Samples for hazardous wastes

In most cases a sample is required for controlled waste when an enquiry is submitted to Organic Waste (OW) especially when the waste is hazardous. In February 2010 the Environment Agency (EA) published a regulatory position statement of laboratory samples and Hazardous Waste Regulations (HWR)

The position statement clarifies that whatever the volume of hazardous waste - sample or tanker full - it has to comply with the HWR. In practical terms this means that even samples now require a proper completed consignment note before they can be received and analysed.

For further detail logon to: www.environment­agency.gov.uk/ static/documents/Business

Waste exemption for activated sludge

From April 2010 the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2010 classified the use of activated sludge for the purpose of reseeding a waste water treatment plant as an exempt waste operation.

As a result, Organic Waste now requires that any company wishing to purchase activated sludge for the above purpose must be able to demonstrate that they have the necessary waste exemption before supply can be considered.

For guidance on registering for an exemption and the application form logon to: www.environment­agency.gov.uk/business/topics/ permitting/116314.aspx

Organic Waste news - Summer 2010 PDF Icon

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