Legislation

Introduction

All businesses have a responsibility for ensuring the safe and proper disposal or recovery of their waste. This responsibility continues even after it has been passed onto a third party until the waste has either been finally and properly disposed of or fully recovered and has no time limit. You are required to ensure that only Environment Agency registered carriers are allowed to remove and transport your materials and that you receive and retain a record of the materials removed.

It is important that you recognise your obligations under current legislation. We have summarised the key points in these pages however for more detailed advice please refer to your relevant environmental regulator:

                                        England & Wales : Environment Agency (EA)

                                        Northern Ireland: Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA)

                                        Scotland : Scottish Environment Protection Agency

The following government departments are also good sources of information:

Netregs: Provide free environmental guidance for small and medium sized businesses in the U.K. They also provide a monthly newsletter to keep you informed on new and upcoming legislation.

Envirowise: Offers free independent support helping businesses to become more resouce efficent and to save money.

Wrap: Works with businesses and individuals to help them reap the benefits of reducing waste, develop sustainable products and use resources in an efficent way.

Wasteaware: Advisory service for businesses in Scotland.