1st October 2007
CIWM URGES WASTE INDUSTRY NOT TO BE COMPLACENT ABOUT NEW PRE-TREATMENT REGULATIONS
With just four weeks to go until the new pre-treatment of waste requirements come into force, the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) has today warned against complacency in the waste industry about the implications and potential impact of the regulations.
“There is evidence that many UK businesses are simply not aware of the new requirements, and although some of UK’s larger waste management companies are communicating with their customers on this issue, there is clearly more to be done,” says CIWM Chief Executive Steve Lee.
“The regulations need to be widely understood and firmly enforced to ensure that we do not miss this opportunity to create an effective driver to increase the recycling and recovery of commercial and industrial waste. The waste industry has the chance to lead from the front here; regulation is only going to get tougher over time and there is a much sharper focus on commercial and industrial waste at national policy level across the UK. Engaging effectively with the business community now can only pay dividends in the future, and will help to ensure that our industry makes that important step from waste to resources management.”
The CIWM will be running a number of briefing sessions on pre-treatment for waste producers, the first of which is a free seminar in Newcastle on 2nd October organised by the CIWM North East Centre in collaboration with the Environment Agency, Envirowise and WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme). To register contact Mike Hibbert on tel: 07921 386002 or email mike.hibbert@ciwm.co.uk. The next briefing will be in Northampton on 26th October and more information on these and future events can be found at www.ciwm.co.uk or by emailing education@ciwm.co.uk.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
1. The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) is the leading professional body for the waste management sector representing over 7000 individuals in the UK and overseas. Established in 1898, CIWM is a non profit-making organisation, dedicated to the promotion of professional competence amongst waste managers. CIWM seeks to raise standards for those working in and with the sector by producing best practice guidance, developing educational and training initiatives, and providing information on key waste-related issues. Comprehensive information about CIWM can be found at www.ciwm.co.uk
2. From 30th October 2007, all non-hazardous waste must be treated before it is disposed of at a landfill site, with the exception of
• inert wastes, if treatment is not technically possible
• other wastes, if treatment would not reduce the quantity or the hazards that it poses to human health or the environment.
Because local authorities have to meet statutory recycling targets, municipal waste is already considered to have been treated. At the same time, liquid waste will be banned from any landfill. The new regulations stem from the EU Landfill Directive, and the aim is to increase recycling and recovery and reduce the environmental impact of waste that does end up in landfill.
3. A recent survey by the environmental guidance website Netregs (www.netregs.gov.uk) has revealed that only 24% of all the SMEs surveyed could name a piece of environmental legislation unprompted, indicating a fairly low level of awareness of legislation generally. It also found that half of the SMEs who responded are unaware of how their business practices impact on the environment.
The results for waste and sewage sector SMEs also show that while they are ahead of other sectors, many are still unaware of their impact on the environment and their responsibilities with regard to environmental legislation. More information can be found at www.netregs.gov.uk
4. A CIWM Fact File on the new pre-treatment requirements is available at www.ciwm.co.uk. For Environment Agency guidance visit http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/1745440/444663/landfill/1789720/?version=1&lang=_e or
Netregs http://www.netregs.gov.uk/netregs/275207/663559/1853048/?version+1&lang
Contacts:
Pat Jennings
Communications Office
Tel: 01604 620426
Mob: 07881 878568
E-mail: pat.jennings@ciwm.co.uk
