§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce measures permitting waste regulation authorities to visit waste production sites, within the area of the authority, and examine waste intended for reclamation and take samples for analysis.
§ Mr. Maclean[holding answer 25 June 1992]: Waste regulation authorities have powers under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to enter premises in their areas where any controlled waste (whether or not it is to be recycled) is kept, treated or deposited, and carry out investigations and to take samples.
§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what powers are available enabling waste regulation authorities to check if the waste production sites within their area have appropriate licences.
§ Mr. Maclean[holding answer 25 June 1992]: Waste disposal authorities are the bodies which, under the Control of Pollution Act 1974, are responsible for issuing and enforcing waste disposal licences. Under that Act, these authorities are empowered to enter premises in their area to determine whether or not a waste disposal licence is required in respect of a particular activity; they may also serve a notice to obtain information needed to reach such a determination.
§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will introduce measures requiring all producers of recyclable waste to inform waste regulatory authorities in that area of production, of the exact chemical composition of waste, certified by an independent, competent chemist;
(2) if he will require all producers of recyclable waste to send a copy of a chemical analysis, and other relevant details, which have been verified by the waste regulation authority for the area of production, to the waste regulation authorities receiving the waste for disposal.
§ Mr. Maclean[holding answer 20 June 1992]: The Secretary of State has no intention of introducing such measures. Regulation of waste management activities is necessary to avoid pollution of the environment and harm to human health. However, any such regulation must be sensibly designed to minimise burdens on industry and to promote recycling wherever this is consistent with environmental protection objectives.
As part of the duty of care on holders of controlled waste introduced on 1 April, any waste regulation 337W authority may seek access to records (including descriptions) of waste transferred from producers' premises. Such descriptions must contain sufficient information to enable the waste to be dealt with safely and legally. The inclusion of a full chemical analysis will not always be necessary for this purpose.