Waste
SEPA is responsible for implementing the following directives in
Scotland:
- Framework Directive on Waste
Imposing a requirement for competent authorities to be established
for the planning, organisation, authorisation and supervision of
waste disposal operations and also requiring them to prepare
disposal plans. The amendment reinforces the need for waste
minimisation, for disposal to be locally provided, and for adequate
process control.
- Hazardous Waste
Requiring storage, treatment and disposal facilities for hazardous
waste to be operated only under a permit scheme. Hazardous wastes
are defined by a lengthy list, including substances (eg pigments,
resins, biocides etc), constituents (eg cadmium, phenols, ethers
etc) and properties (eg flammable, toxic, mutagenic etc). The
disposal of such waste must be identified, recorded and separated
from other wastes.
- Disposal of Waste Oils
Requiring the registration of collectors, promotion of
regeneration, prohibition of discharge to water and soil, and
setting emission limits on disposal by combustion.
- Council Regulation on the Supervision and Control of
Shipments within, into and out of the European
Community
Requiring Member States to ratify all transfrontier shipments of
waste. The waste may only be moved when consent has been given by
the competent authorities, using a system of consignment notes.
Waste must be properly packed and labelled, and the countries from
or to which the waste is being transported must have suitable
arrangements for the control of waste. Green, amber and red lists
of wastes are provided in the regulation, each requiring different
standards of control during movement. These lists only apply to
wastes destined for recovery.