Responsibilities of waste producers and waste
carriers
There are strict rules on how businesses must
deal with their waste. It is essential that all businesses adhere to these
rules, as failure to do so can lead to substantial fines. These rules
define the steps the producer of the waste must take, and the steps the
carrier (haulier) of the waste must take. In short there has to be an
audit trail whereby the route of the waste can be established and
substantiated.
In order to protect our customers, Recycle-Direct.com provides to all
customers:
• A copy of our Waste Carriers Licence • A waste transfer note for each collection • Duty of Care documentation • Full audit trails
Please be aware that a business (or an individual or a householder) can be
fined if they give their waste to an unauthorised person or Company. A
simple check can now be made as to whether or not hauliers are registered
waste carriers via either a phone call to a free phone number (08708
506506), or online via the Environment Agency website.
(www.environment-agency.gov.uk/publicregister)
Overview
Environmental Protection (Duty of Care) Regulations 1991
This piece of legislation takes on the responsibilities of the
Environmental Protection Act for the safe disposal of wastes and devolves
the responsibility to the manufacturer of the waste. All companies that
produce waste are affected by this legislation.
The duties and responsibilities laid down below are as much to protect the
producer of the waste from disreputable waste disposal firms as they are
to protect the environment. This is because the company producing the
waste is still responsible for the waste even when someone has removed it
from their site. If it turns up in a ditch the company who manufactured
the waste can also be prosecuted, not just the firm fly tipping it.
Waste Producer
Responsibilities:
Describe the waste fully and accurately
Store waste safely on site
Select an appropriate treatment or disposal method
Ensure waste falls within the terms of the waste contractor’s waste
management licence
Pack waste securely
Check waste carriers’ registration documents
Make reasonable checks on the waste carrier or manager
Report offences to the Environment Agency
Complete and sign a waste transfer note of waste to another party
Requirements
If you are recovering or recycling wastes or
refurbishing a product you will need to comply
with at least one of the following conditions:
A waste carriers licence (if transporting wastes)
waste management licence
An exemption from a waste management licence
Please note:
These statements are for your assistance and may
not be complete for your company’s particular
circumstances. If in any doubt please contact
the Environment Agency to ensure that any action
you take is within the law.
Waste Carriers
Responsibilities:
You must hold a waste carrier’s licence
Ensure adequacy of containment of wastes in your control
Ensure waste does not escape, re-pack waste if necessary
Make a visual inspection to check accuracy of waste description
Re-describe waste that is treated or re-packed
Ensure waste is taken to an appropriate site with a waste management
licence or appropriate exemption - make reasonable checks on the waste
manager
Complete and sign transfer notes on any waste transfers to or from
another party
