.We are responsible for the enforcement of the Hazardous Waste Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2005 and the Environmental Protection (Disposal of Polychlorinated Biphenyls and other Dangerous Substances) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000.
View the Hazardous Waste Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2005.
Hazardous wastes are those which are dangerous and difficult to handle. If your business produces hazardous waste you have a 'duty of care' to make sure it is disposed of properly. The purpose of the Hazardous Waste Regulations is to provide an effective system of control for these wastes and to ensure that they are soundly managed from their point of production to their final destination for disposal or recovery.
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are recognised as a threat to the environment due to their toxicity, persistence and tendency to accumulate in the bodies of animals. See our section on Registration and Disposal of PCBs.
Hazardous Waste - Frequently Asked Questions(.PDF 76Kb)
NI Hazardous Waste Forum
We administer and control a consignment note system requiring a unique code for each particular movement of hazardous waste as a system of control for dangerous and difficult to handle wastes.
Who do the regulations apply to?The regulations apply to persons who produce, carry and receive hazardous waste for the purpose of keeping, treating or disposal.
| Which waste streams? Waste streams include asbestos waste, fluorescent tubes, clinical, chemicals, fridges containing cfcs, used engine oil, used oil filters, brake fluid, batteries (lead acid, Ni-Cd and mercury), some printer toner cartridges and waste paint and thinners. |  |  |
We have produced a simple non-technical guide to help you determine if your waste is hazardous or not:
The Classification of Hazardous Waste - Hazguide NI 03(.PDF 90.8Kb)
We, in conjunction with the Environment Agency and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, have also produced a more detailed technical document called 'WM2, Hazardous Waste: Interpretation of the definition and classification of hazardous waste'. This document has been revised to take account of changes in the Approved Supply List and more recently to clarify excotoxicity assessment. It can be viewed in our Further Information section.
Consignment Note SystemThe basic features of the consignment note system required by the previous regulations have been retained with a few adjustments and additions. A new standard coding system has been introduced whereby a consignment note must have a unique code for that particular movement of hazardous waste. This must be purchased from us.
One of the new features of the consignment note is the requirement in Part B to enter the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC 2007) code for the process giving rise to the waste.
See SIC Codes 2007(.PDF 945Kb)
For more information on UK SIC (2007) see www.statistics.gov.uk/sic
Fees enable us to meet the cost of supervising hazardous waste movements. The fees vary depending on the type of movement involved, either £24, £10, or in certain cases, the codes will be issued free of charge.
Other requirementsThe regulations include restrictions on the mixing of wastes, revised requirements for record keeping, periodic inspections of waste producers' facilities by our staff and fixed penalty notices for certain offences.
If you require to contact us please ring 02890 569710 or fax 02890 569310