Waste Legislation Key Features

The 2005 Regulations replace the existing Special Waste Regulations 1996.

Key Features
• The term “special waste” has been replaced by “hazardous waste”
• The European Waste Catalogue (EWC) that defines hazardous waste has been formally brought into UK legislation
• Over 200 additional types of waste have thereby been reclassified as hazardous including fluorescent tubes, aerosols, fridges, computer screens and end of life vehicles
• Waste that was previously defined as clinical, such as sharps, swabs and blood dressings will be classified as hazardous if it contains or could contain infectious substances
• All sites producing hazardous waste, with some exemptions, need to register with the Environment Agency
• Mixing of hazardous waste with other types of hazardous and non-hazardous waste will not be permitted (unless the premises is a fully licensed waste treatment facility)
• The standard Environment Agency consignment note and notification process has been replaced with a quarterly report.

Find out more about Healthcare Waste legislation and guidance 

Find out more about Pre-Acceptance Audits

Hazardous Waste Definitions  

Or contact our team on 02920 809090