When managing waste disposal, it is important to first ascertain what is waste and what can be recycled, re-used or composted. There are very strict regulations laid out by the Environment agency http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/subjects/waste/1416460/?lang=_e, your waste could come under one of three catagories;
- Waste not considered to be hazardous i.e. paper and edible ink.
- Waste that needs to be assesed to ascertain whether or not it is hazardous i.e. paint or ink.
- Waste that is hazardous i.e. lead acid batteries and fluorescent tubes.
When it comes to commercial waste, disposal regulations must in particular be followed inparticular when it comes to hazardous waste, hazardous waste as defined by the Environment agency is 'harmful to human health or to the environment, either immediately or over an extended period of time'http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/subjects/waste/1019330/1217981/1384307/.
If you run a business that produces any form of hazardous waste then you have a duty of care to dispose of it in the correct way. If you are ever in any doubt always refer to environment agency http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/subjects/waste/1019330/1217981/ or to the DEFRA - Department for Food and Rural Affairs http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/waste/topics/hazwaste/index.htm websites for guidance
Although you may employ someone to remove and ispose of your hazardous for you, you should be aware that the duty of care still exists unitl that waste has been appropriately disposed of according to the regulations laid down by the Environment Agency, so you should always check the licenses and permits of anyone handling you waste, if they do not dispose of it correctly ou are still liable for any damage to the environment or to anyone and you should always keep clear records of when and how your waste has been collected.
