§ Lord Gainfordasked Her Majesty's Government:
When they will issue guidance on the EC waste shipments regulations.
§ The Earl of ArranThe Department of the Environment has published a circular (DoE Circular 13/94) giving guidance on the implementation of the EC Waste Shipments Regulation and the associated Transfrontier Shipment of Waste Regulations 1994. The circular will assist waste regulation authorities and the waste disposal and recovery industries to follow the requirements of the new system.
The final text of the circular reflects the outcome of public consultation on a draft document issued in March, and incorporates various changes to meet the concerns and interests of industry, local authorities and the public. The circular explains the provisions and administrative procedures of the waste shipments regulations and UK regulations, describes the roles and responsibilities of the various parties involved in the shipments process, and offers guidance on issues such as the options available for the provision of financial guarantees, and local authorities' administrative charges.
A compliance cost assessment has been undertaken in relation to the Transfrontier Shipment of Waste Regulations 1994. Copies of both Circular 13.94 and the compliance cost assessment have been placed in the Library.
The new system strengthens controls over transfrontier shipments of waste in the interests of protecting human health and the environment. We are confident that the guidance in this circular will help both industry and regulators to get to grips with the demands of the new regime.