The International Waste Shipments (Amendment) Regulations 2024
Introduction
The UK government has introduced new legislation, known as the International Waste Shipments (Amendment) Regulations 2024, which came into force on 1st January 2025. These regulations aim to strengthen the controls on the export of waste from the UK and ensure that it is only sent to countries that have the capacity and expertise to manage it properly.
Key Changes
The new regulations include several key changes to the previous waste shipment regulations:
- Increased penalties: Penalties for non-compliance with the regulations have been significantly increased, with fines of up to £50,000 and/or imprisonment for up to two years now possible.
- Expanded list of controlled waste: The list of waste types that require a permit for export has been expanded to include a wider range of materials, such as plastics, paper, and textiles.
- Stricter controls on exports to non-OECD countries: Exports of waste to countries outside the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) are now subject to stricter controls, including a requirement for the exporter to obtain the prior written consent of the importing country.
- Increased transparency: The regulations require exporters to provide more detailed information about the waste being shipped, including its composition, destination, and intended method of disposal.
Purpose
The purpose of the new regulations is to:
- Protect human health and the environment: By ensuring that waste is only exported to countries that can manage it properly, the regulations aim to reduce the risk of environmental pollution and harm to human health.
- Promote sustainable waste management: By making it more difficult to export waste, the regulations encourage businesses and organizations to adopt more sustainable waste management practices within the UK.
- Comply with international obligations: The UK is a signatory to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal, and the new regulations help to ensure compliance with these obligations.
Impact
The new regulations will have a significant impact on the waste management industry in the UK. Businesses and organizations that export waste will need to be aware of the changes and ensure that they comply with the new requirements. Failure to do so could result in significant penalties.
Conclusion
The International Waste Shipments (Amendment) Regulations 2024 are an important step in strengthening the UK’s controls on the export of waste. These regulations will help to protect human health and the environment, promote sustainable waste management, and ensure compliance with international obligations.
The International Waste Shipments (Amendment) Regulations 2024
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