Recycling Services

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has launched a consultation on a proposed Strategy for Hazardous Waste Management in England.

This is designed to augment the application of the newly revised EU Waste Framework Directive - which has now replaced the European Hazardous Waste Directive. The consultation asks questions on various topics, ranging from infrastructure resources to the timeline for the strategy's implementation.

Defra have said: "Clarity is needed on how the requirements of the revised WFD should be implemented, particularly the revised waste hierarchy with respect to the management of hazardous waste.

"The principle aim of the proposed strategy is to deliver sound and, where necessary, improved hazardous waste treatment."

The draft strategy consists of:

• Seven broad principles for the management of hazardous waste. These include: waste hierarchy; infrastructure provision; reducing reliance on landfill; no mixing or diluting; treatment of organic hazardous waste; ending reliance on the use of the landfill directive waste acceptance criteria derogations; and, the treatment and landfilling of hazardous waste.
• A set of outline decision trees to assist waste producers and waste managers to make the right decisions about the management of their waste and the investment in infrastructure to help move hazardous waste management up the waste hierarchy.
• An action plan for issues relating to the introduction and implementation of the strategy.
• A list of guidance relating to the treatment of hazardous waste.

The entire strategy is designed to create best practice for hazardous waste producers and managers find the best possible disposal routes for all hazardous waste streams.