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Environment and Productions
Common Questions

> How do I get a licensed waste/rubbish company?
> What are the different types of waste?
> Where do I dispose of waste water?
> What are European Waste Codes and where do I find them?
> What happens if I don't do anything?
> Where do I obtain further information?
 
 
How do I get a licensed waste/rubbish company?
Checks should be made with the Environment Agency (England and Wales) or the Scottish Environment Protection Agency to ensure that any waste company used is a registered waste carrier, holds a waste management licence or is exempted from such requirements. This can be done by calling the Environment Agency's enquiry line on 0845 933 3111. You should ask for a waste carriers check to be undertaken and give the operator the company's full name and postal address. The check will take a few hours to be completed. Ensure that a documented record of the check is made and that this is stored on file as appropriate.
 
What are the different types of waste?
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland there are two types of waste and these include hazardous and non-hazardous waste.
 
Non-Hazardous waste includes the following:
  • General office waste
  • Catering waste
  • Construction and demolition wastes
  • Scrap timber, metal, glass, etc
  • Wastes segregated for recycling such as office paper, glass, cans, cardboard, pallets etc.
Hazardous waste includes the following:
  • Batteries [identified by a crossed out wheelie bin symbol on the label]
  • TV Monitors
  • Computer Monitors
  • Fridges
  • Fluorescent Tubes
  • Sodium lights
  • Contaminated wipes, rags and absorbents
  • Aerosols (Aerosols containing HAZ)
  • Solvents
  • Toners
  • Oil Tins
  • Paints
  • Thinners
  • Oil Filters
  • Caustic soda
  • Cleaning Chemicals
  • Resins
  • Adhesives
  • Photo-chemicals
Clinical wastes containing pathogenic agents or other hazardous substances including dressings, sharps and any material which is contaminated with blood. Clinical waste must be separated from the general waste stream and must be incinerated.
 
Where do I dispose of waste water?
Under no circumstances should liquid catering waste be disposed of to land, river or surface water drains. It must be contained and stored on site to prevent pollution and either disposed of via a registered waste carrier. Permission must be obtained from the sewage undertaker e.g. (Thames Water, North West Water etc) before the disposal of waste water to the foul drain/sewer.
 
What are European Waste Codes and where do I find them?
European waste codes contain 6 digits which relates to the different kinds of waste e.g. hazardous and non-hazardous. These codes are used on waste transfer notes and consignments to provide a clear description of the waste for both parties involved within the waste transfer.
 
What happens if I don't do anything?
There are many unauthorised waste carriers in theUKwho are not registered with the Environment Agencies. As a result of not using a registered waste carrier your waste could be fly tipped. Fly tipping is a criminal activity with heavy penalties of up to 5 years imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine, when convicted of the offence in the Crown Court. Under the Duty of Care for waste the producer as well as the waste carrier retains legal responsibility.
 
Where do I obtain further information?
Contact Ask AL - BBC Safety Advice Line.
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