Registration and Disposal Of PCBs

Registration of PCBs

In Northern Ireland, the Environmental Protection (Disposal of Polychorlorinated Biphenals and Other Dangerous Substances) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000 control the registration and disposal of PCBs.

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. Holders of equipment containing PCBs and other dangerous substances are legally required to register their holdings with us, label the equipment and phase out and safely dispose of significant PCB holdings.

Exemptions will allow certain specified equipment to be held until the end of its useful life. Fines of up to £5,000 and/or prison sentences of up to 2 years could be imposed on those found guilty of breaching the Regulations.

The use of PCBs has been progressively restricted since the 1970s. In 1986 their sale and use in new plant and equipment was banned in the UK.

Applications to register must be made on the application form:Annual registration of PCB holders (.PDF 123Kb) after reference to the Annual registration of_PCB holders guidance notes (.PDF 132Kb).. These are available by contacting us on:  028 9056 9710, or can be downloaded from our Guidance and Forms section.

We have fixed charges for the service provided in the course of carrying out functions in connection with these regulations, including charges for holders registering their holdings. These charges must accompany the application form.   Disposal of PCBs When the equipment is ready to be disposed of, it will be regarded as Hazardous Waste.