The Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005

These regulations govern the production and disposal of hazardous waste products.

Under the Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005, which became effective on 16 July 2005, commonplace items such as televisions, lead-acid batteries and fluorescent light tubes, have joined the existing list of toxic, corrosive and irritant substances.

This means that an increasing number of businesses will for the first time be defined as hazardous waste producers, and will have to meet the new 'waste acceptance criteria' (WAC).

The majority of businesses producing hazardous waste will need to register with the Environment Agency, and could face substantial fines and possible prison sentences if they fail to comply with the regulations.

Further guidance on the regulations is available at www.netregs.gov.uk

The Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005 were amended on 6 April 2009. If you produce less than 500kg of hazardous waste in any year, you do not have to register with the Environment Agency. The previous limit was 200kg.

These changes only affect England. The Welsh Assembly Government is consulting on changes to the Hazardous Waste (Wales) Regulations 2005 and the consultation can be found on the Welsh Assembly Government web site.