Recycling Legislation
Known as the Waste Framework Directive, the Directive establishes a framework for the management of waste across the European Community. It also defines certain terms, such as 'waste', 'recovery' and 'disposal', to ensure that a uniform approach is taken across the EU. It requires Member States to:
- give priority to waste prevention and encourage reuse and recovery of waste
- ensure that waste is recovered or disposed of without endangering human health and without using processes which could harm the environment
- prohibit the uncontrolled disposal of waste, ensure that waste management activities are permitted (unless specifically exempt)
- establish an integrated and adequate network of disposal installations
- prepare waste management plans
- ensure that the cost of disposal is borne by the waste holder in accordance with the polluter pays principle
- ensure that waste carriers are registered
As part of the European Landfill Directive (Landfill (England and Wales) Regulations 2002), from 30th October 2007, non-hazardous waste must be treated before it can be sent to landfill in England and Wales. Similar regulations have been in place in Scotland since March 2007 (Landfill (Scotland) Regulations 2003).
The legal definition of treatment requires three things (the ‘three-point test’):
1. It must be a physical, thermal, chemical or biological process including sorting.
2. It must change the characteristics of the waste.
3. It must do so in order to:
a. reduce its volume, or
b. reduce its hazardous nature, or
c. facilitate its handling, or
d. enhance its recovery.
Treatment is intended to encourage us to recycle more and reduce the impact of the land-filling on our health and the environment.
There are some, very limited, exceptions to the need for treatment because there are sometimes no treatments available that would contribute towards the aim of the regulations. These exceptions are:
* Inert waste for which treatment is not technically feasible.>
* Waste other than inert waste and treatment would not reduce its quantity or the hazards that it poses to human health or the environment.
What Does This Mean to You?
As a waste producer, you are not obligated to treat your own waste yourself. All waste loads collected by Countrywide Waste Management are treated and the vast majority (up to 90%) is recycled or reused. If you use Countrywide Waste Management, you will be unaffected by these regulations.
