§ Mr. Peter BottomleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his policy on the disposal of used oils. [66851]
§ Mr. MealeThe Government's policy on waste disposal, including used oils, is being reviewed as part of the review of the waste strategy. The consultation paper, Less Waste More Value (DETR 1998) sets out the policy that decisions on the management of waste should be based on the Best Practical Environmental Option (BPEO) with the waste management hierarchy as a guide to making decisions under this principle. Under the hierarchy the most effective solution is, usually, not to produce the waste at all. Failing that, value should be recovered from waste. In Less Waste More Value the Government set out their view that incineration with energy recovery should not be undertaken without consideration first being given to the possibility of36W recycling. Waste should, therefore, only be disposed of once options for re-use and recovery have been considered.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many sites are licensed for the re-refining of used oils. [66852]
§ Mr. MealeWithin England and Wales five sites are authorised by the Environment Agency under Part I of the Environment Protection Act 1990 for re-refining of used oils.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if used oils are re-refined in EC and OECD countries. [66873]
§ Mr. MealeTwo main companies re-refine used oils in the United Kingdom. A study for the European Commission in 1996, showed that used oil is re-refined in other European Union countries including, Germany, Italy, France and Spain. We are also aware that re-refining takes place in other OECD countries, including New Zealand and the United States.