§ Mr. TylerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the rules for the disposal of organophosphorus sheep dips; and what the average costs of incineration are for farmers.
§ Mr. MacleanAs an agricultural waste, disposal of organophosphorus sheep dip is controlled by means of statutory codes of practice. Under section 97 of the Water Resources Act (1991) the code of good agricultural practice for the protection of water gives advice to farmers on the safe disposal of spent dip. MAFF have published a guidance note on the safe handling and disposal of sheep dips. The code and guidance note advise farmers on the type, siting and use of dipping baths and on the preferred methods of disposal. While soakaways are no longer considered suitable, dilution and spreading to sacrificial land or disposal via an approved waste disposal contractor are recommended. Spent dip is not suitable for incineration. Commercial information on the costs of incineration are not collated or held centrally and could be obtained only at excessive cost.