MoreThanWaste.com - New rules for exporting recyclables from today says Environment Agency (12/07/2007)

"Getting this new process right means we can focus our efforts on pursuing those who have no regard for the law and try and export mixed, poor quality waste onto countries that don’t want it"

Liz Parkes, Head of Waste for the Environment Agency

New rules affecting the export of waste for recycling such as paper, cardboard and certain types of plastic and metal came into force today.

Mainly affected by the new EC rules are businesses which export "green list" waste. This term is used to describe the clean, single types of waste that pose little risk to the environment and can be legitimately exported to countries that want them for recycling.

Every year millions of tonnes of recyclable materials are shipped overseas perfectly legitimately and there is a growing trade for these types of waste which are valuable resources in many countries.

Liz Parkes, Head of Waste for the Environment Agency said;

"From 12 July it will be the responsibility of recyclable waste exporters to check that the country they are exporting to is happy to receive the recyclable waste and if so, under what conditions.

"The new rules are complex and we are providing clear, simple guidance to the many Green List waste exporters and shipping companies who will be affected by the new regulations.

Some countries haven’t yet confirmed to the Commission what waste they will accept after 12 July. The Environment Agency is working with Government, exporters and shipping brokers to make sure that legitimate green list waste can continue to be exported to countries who still want it.

The Agency says that under existing rules many types of low hazard waste can be freely exported to many countries to be recycled under what are known as "Green List" regulations.

According to the Environment Agency, after the 12 July businesses will need to check if the waste they are planning to export is:

Prohibited
Notifiable - proposed movement of waste must be pre-notified to the relevant authorities in all concerned countries and prior written permission obtained before the waste is moved.
Green List - proposed movements don’t need to be pre-notified and don’t need prior permission before going ahead but do need to comply with specified information and contract requirements.

Liz Parkes continued:

“Getting this new process right means we can focus our efforts on pursuing those who have no regard for the law and try and export mixed, poor quality waste onto countries that don’t want it."

"Some of the rules coming in on the 12 July also affect businesses that import or export hazardous waste, or ship non-hazardous wastes to non-OECD countries. Notification controls apply in these situations, which means applying to the Environment Agency with the relevant fee and putting a financial guarantee in place to make sure enough money is available to deal with the waste if things go wrong, including the cost of returning the waste to the UK."

Further information

Further information on these new rules can be found on the Environment Agency website.


	New rules for exporting recyclables from today says Environment Agency (12/07/2007) "Getting this new process right means we can focus our efforts on pursuing those who have no regard for the law and try and export mixed, poor quality waste onto countries that don’t want it" Liz Parkes, Head of Waste for the Environment Agency New rules affecting the export of waste for recycling such as paper, cardboard and certain types of plastic and metal came into force today. Mainly affected by the new EC rules are businesses which export "green list" waste. This term is used to describe the clean, single types of waste that pose little risk to the environment and can be legitimately exported to countries that want them for recycling. Every year millions of tonnes of recyclable materials are shipped overseas perfectly legitimately and there is a growing trade for these types of waste which are valuable resources in many countries. Liz Parkes, Head of Waste for the Environment Agency said; "From 12 July it will be the responsibility of recyclable waste exporters to check that the country they are exporting to is happy to receive the recyclable waste and if so, under what conditions. "The new rules are complex and we are providing clear, simple guidance to the many Green List waste exporters and shipping companies who will be affected by the new regulations. Some countries haven’t yet confirmed to the Commission what waste they will accept after 12 July. The Environment Agency is working with Government, exporters and shipping brokers to make sure that legitimate green list waste can continue to be exported to countries who still want it. The Agency says that under existing rules many types of low hazard waste can be freely exported to many countries to be recycled under what are known as "Green List" regulations. According to the Environment Agency, after the 12 July businesses will need to check if the waste they are planning to export is: Prohibited Notifiable - proposed movement of waste must be pre-notified to the relevant authorities in all concerned countries and prior written permission obtained before the waste is moved. Green List - proposed movements don’t need to be pre-notified and don’t need prior permission before going ahead but do need to comply with specified information and contract requirements. Liz Parkes continued: “Getting this new process right means we can focus our efforts on pursuing those who have no regard for the law and try and export mixed, poor quality waste onto countries that don’t want it." "Some of the rules coming in on the 12 July also affect businesses that import or export hazardous waste, or ship non-hazardous wastes to non-OECD countries. Notification controls apply in these situations, which means applying to the Environment Agency with the relevant fee and putting a financial guarantee in place to make sure enough money is available to deal with the waste if things go wrong, including the cost of returning the waste to the UK." Further information Further information on these new rules can be found on the Environment Agency website.