Hazardous Waste

If you produce, transport, or receive hazardous waste you will be regulated by the Hazardous Waste Regulations.

Implementation of the revised Waste Framework Directive has brought some changes to the Hazardous Waste Regulations. These changes have been brought in by the Waste Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011.

The major changes to the way hazardous waste is managed are listed below and came into effect on 8 April 2011:

1. Mixing of hazardous waste can only be carried out if you hold an appropriate permit allowing you to do this and the activity must comply with Best Available Techniques (BAT).
2. A new hazardous property (H13 sensitizing) has been introduced and will need to be used when assessing hazardous waste.
3. There are new duties on dealers and brokers of hazardous waste to keep records.

The following changes will come in on 8 October 2011:

• the consignment note will be amended
• the waste hierarchy must be considered and applied in a priority order when hazardous waste is transferred

Hazardous wastes are those which are dangerous and difficult to handle. If your business produces hazardous waste you have a duty of care to make sure it is disposed of properly.

The purpose of the Hazardous Waste Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2005 is to provide an effective system of control for these wastes and to make sure that they are soundly managed from their point of production to their final destination for disposal or recovery.

The regulations apply to those who produce, broker/deal, carry and receive hazardous waste to keep, treat or dispose of. This is explained in the guidance leaflet Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005 and how they affect you (.PDF 380Kb).

Further technical information on Hazardous Waste can be found here.