Legislation
Duty of Care
Section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 sets out a Duty of Care for anyone handling controlled waste. That includes businesses and individuals who produce, import, carry, keep, treat or dispose of waste or act as a broker with control over it. If that’s you, you’ve got a legal responsibility to manage it properly.
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Environmental Protection Act
The Environmental Protection Act 1990 outlines how businesses must handle controlled waste. It replaced the Control of Pollution Act 1974 and sets clear rules for managing pollution from industrial processes.
As a business, you’re legally responsible for making sure any waste you produce is stored, transported and disposed of safely and within the law. This is known as your ‘duty of care’ and it applies to anyone involved in producing, moving or managing waste.
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EU Landfill Directive
The Landfill Directive sets out minimum standards for landfill sites across the EU, aiming to reduce environmental impact and protect human health. It covers everything from site design and operation to the types of waste accepted. It also sets targets for diverting biodegradable municipal waste away from landfill—encouraging safer, more sustainable disposal methods.
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Hazardous Waste Regulation
The Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005 replaced the Special Waste Regulations and introduced a broader definition of hazardous waste. It covers materials that could harm human health or the environment—even if the effects aren’t immediate. If your business produces or manages hazardous waste, you’ll need to follow strict rules to handle it safely and responsibly.
The Hazardous Waste Regulation includes:
- Fluorescent Tubes
- Television sets
- Fridges
- PC Monitors
- Batteries
- Aerosols & Paint
- Contaminated Soils
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Packaging Waste Regulations
Introduced in 1997, the UK’s Packaging Waste Regulations aim to reduce the amount of packaging used and boost recycling across the board. They were created to meet EU requirements and set out a consistent approach to recovering packaging waste. Back in 2011, the UK generated 10.8 million tonnes of packaging waste—67% of which was successfully recovered.
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Pre-Treatment of Waste
Since 2007, EU legislation has required that inert and non-hazardous waste be treated before it’s sent to landfill. It’s all part of reducing environmental impact and cutting down on pollution. For waste to count as ‘treated’, it must go through a physical, thermal, chemical or biological process—sorting included.
The process must change the characteristics of the waste, and must do so in order to do on of the following:
- Reduce the volume of waste
- Reduce its hazardous nature
- Facilitate its handling
- Enhance its recovery.
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UK Waste Regulation
Since 1 January 2015, UK regulations have required businesses to separate recyclable materials—like paper, plastic and glass—from other waste. This update to the EU Waste Framework Directive aims to improve both the quality and quantity of recycling across the UK. If your business produces dry mixed recyclables, they should be collected separately from general or food waste.
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Waste Transfer Notes
Every waste transfer must be backed by a Waste Transfer Note (WTN) that clearly describes what’s being moved. These notes need to be kept on file for at least two years. As a licensed waste carrier, Countrystyle Recycling works closely with customers to help them stay compliant with all relevant waste regulations.
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The Waste and Electrical & Electronic Equipment Directive
Introduced in January 2007, the WEEE Directive encourages everyone to reuse, recycle and recover electrical and electronic equipment. Its goal is to reduce the amount of e-waste being produced and promote more sustainable ways of handling it.
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Simpler Recycling
From 31 March 2025, new UK rules mean businesses must separate key waste types—like food, paper, glass, metal and plastic. It’s part of the Simpler Recycling initiative, designed to improve recycling and reduce contamination.
Most businesses need to comply by spring, while micro-businesses (fewer than 10 employees) have until 2027. We’re here to help you get set up, stay compliant and make the switch as smooth as possible.
For more information click here.