Last Updated on 15/07/2021
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It is already a legal requirement for waste producers to treat waste in line with the waste hierarchy. Once you’ve considered waste reduction and re-use, you need to ensure that all recyclable materials are recycled where possible to avoid landfill.
But as of 1st January 2015, the revised EU Waste Framework Directive 2008 requires that the UK government must make arrangements for the collection of waste paper, metal, plastic and glass separately where ‘technically, environmentally and economically practicable’ and ‘appropriate to meet the necessary quality standards for the relevant recycling sectors.’
This law covers both commercial, industrial and domestic waste. The information stated below does not constitute legal advice and is no substitute for legal or other professional advice.
How does this affect your organisation as a waste producer?
We believe that as of start 2015 you will need to considering the following:
- Keep a well-documented audit trail when deciding which collection system to use and hold regular reviews to ensure your waste management system remains compliant.
- As a minimum, you will be expected to separate mixed dry recyclables (paper, metal, plastic, glass) from general waste prior to their collection unless space for containers, cost of collection or any other genuine barriers prevent this.
- If it is not technically, environmentally and economically practicable (TEEP) to do this, you will need to implement the most suitable alternative solution and ensure you have evidence as to why a separate collection is not practicable. If you are already separating out the recyclable materials into a combined waste collection, you will need to consider the suitability of this, and whether your waste contractor has the capability to separate these out into separate individual waste streams. As a minimum you are likely to be required to have a separate glass collection.
- Whether or not you separate out your waste into individual waste streams or combined, you will need to ensure that the quality of these collections is of a high standard and not contaminated with non-recyclable waste.
- Although not a legal requirement, it is advisable to verify the end destination of these wastes, as a best practice measure, to ensure that they are sent for recycling and not landfill.
The diagram (below) is the Waste Regulations Route Map, and for general information only.
We can help you become compliant
GreenBuying.co.uk is committed to ensuring that its customers are compliant. Our UK national waste partners will review your waste practices. They can:
- Work with you to assess the practicalities and options for implementing combined or segregated collections if you’re not already doing so and implement any agreed service changes on your behalf.
- Provide assistance to communicate with your staff and other stakeholders to ensure that materials separated are of a sufficient quality and not contaminated with non-recyclable waste.
- Regularly check the quality of your recyclables to ensure that high standards are being consistently applied. If issues are found, they will work with you to resolve the problems and improve the quality of your recyclables.
- Ensure you have a well-documented audit trail and regular reviews of your waste management system.
You’re running out of time to ensure compliancy by 1st January 2015 so we urge swift action!! Just call 0845 217 8995 or email [email protected] and we’ll help you.