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4 July 2005 - Changes to Landfill
Regulations for England and Wales
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The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
have announced the outcome of their consultation on the new Landfill Regulations
within England and Wales due to come into force on 16 July 2005.
The consultation particularly asked for the technical views and
testing methods required by European Union Member States, in order to determine
precise wastes which are able to be land-filled. A criteria was
consulted upon, which applied to hazardous and inert wastes, with only those
passing the tests being able to be land-filled according to the Regulations.
The final details and dates for implementation of the Land-fill
Directive were confirmed by Mr. Ben Bradshaw, Minister for Local Environmental
Quality and DEFRA as follows:
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The Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC) for "monolithic waste" will
come into force on 16 July 2005.
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The standard for physical stability of monolithic waste going to
land-fill.
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A limit on the level of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in
inert waste to be land-filled.
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The responsibilities of waste producers in characterising waste
destined for land-fill.
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Amendment of the existing land-fill regulations so that they no
longer apply to disposal of non-hazardous wet dredgings in certain
circumstances.
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Whole and shredded tyres must not be land-filled from July 16
2006.
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Liquid waste can no longer be accepted at non-hazardous waste
land-fills from 30 October 2007.
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All non-hazardous wastes will have to be pre-treated prior to
land-fill from 30 October 2007.
Mr. Ben Bradshaw said:
"The Landfill Directive represents an important step change
in the way that we dispose of our waste.
"As well as improving the environmental standards of landfill sites, it
encourages the minimisation of waste and higher levels of recycling and
recovery.
"It has meant major changes for England and Wales, but the Government recognises
that the latest stage of implementing the Landfill Directive will have
particular impacts on the disposal of hazardous waste.
"We will continue to work closely with the Environment Agency, waste producers
and waste managers to ensure that the transition period is as smooth as
possible, and that the environment and human health are fully protected."
Further information on changes to regulations, guidance and
updates on hazardous waste can be accessed by clicking the following:
Hazardous Waste
Article by Alexandra Johnston
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