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New scheme offers businesses help and advice on hazardous waste

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Small and medium sized businesses are being invited to take part in a new EU-funded project, established to help companies reduce the amount of hazardous waste they produce - and save money.

The three-year HAZRED project aims to demonstrate the benefits of setting waste reduction targets and developing waste reduction plans in partnership with industry sectors that have a large proportion of small businesses.

Changes in the legislation governing hazardous waste and the use of landfill sites are increasing waste disposal costs and impacting on many businesses, particularly smaller businesses.

On 16 July 2005, the new Hazardous Waste Regulations (England and Wales) were introduced. This resulted in more waste classed as hazardous as well as introducing new controls and procedures for movement of waste, more active producer responsibility for wastes generated, and required registration for hazardous waste producers.

The Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC) also came into force. These criteria introduced new standards which have to be met by all hazardous waste being disposed of to landfill. Businesses have to be able to describe exactly what their waste contains; this ‘characterisation' determines what can be done to minimise it, ease its recovery or ensure its safe disposal.

HAZRED, which is administered by the Environment Agency, has now appointed 12 specialist advisors who will work with 120 companies across six sectors which each have particular problems with hazardous waste.

Companies from each of the sectors are now being invited to take advantage of the scheme, which received funding from the EU's LIFE budget last July.

HAZRED is designed to demonstrate the benefits of setting hazardous waste reduction targets and developing waste reduction plans in partnership with those industry sectors most in need.

The six sectors are:

• treatment and coating of metals;
• maintenance and repair of motor vehicles;
• companies using or producing speciality organic chemicals;
• general construction and building;
• photographic processing; and
• the manufacture of machinery and equipment.

Participating businesses will receive access to the hazardous waste reduction plan, developed by a team of experts including regulators and industry trade associations, which includes reduction targets. They will also benefit from on-site training with a specialist adviser, including help with implementation, monitoring and evaluating waste outputs and cost savings. Ongoing support and advice will also be available through the HAZRED hotline, website and a dedicated email address.

HAZRED Project Manager Gill Ross-Jones commented, "The introduction of the Hazardous Waste Regulations last year resulted in many small businesses being challenged with tackling the complexities of hazardous waste for the first time.

"But businesses can still access free, confidential help to tackle the demands of this legislation by joining HAZRED - as well as saving money through the establishment of a strong and systematic programme of waste management." Businesses interested in the project or wanting to register interest in taking part can find out more by visiting http://www.hazred.org.uk

Posted August 29, 2006