Sustainable business

People who work in the retail sector need to be aware of important changes in the law that affect the disposal of commercial waste. With effect from 16 July 2004, the Landfill Directive means that:

• they cannot dispose of hazardous and non-hazardous waste together,
• there will be far fewer landfill sites available for hazardous waste.

The cost of processing commercial waste will rise sharply in the coming years – waste contractors will pass on to their customers the higher costs involved. By taking action now, retailers can control the impact on their businesses.

What is hazardous waste?

Some waste produced by retailers can be classified as hazardous. All waste producers have a duty of care to classify and describe their waste correctly.

Retailers typically produce the following types of waste:

• paper,
• plastics,
• wood,
• cardboard,
• glass,
• metal,
• textiles.

Generally, this is packaging waste and as long as it has not been in contact with dangerous substances, it will not be classified as hazardous.

They may also produce the following types of waste, however, all of which are now classified as hazardous waste:

• fluorescent lighting tubes,
• batteries,
• computer monitors,
• television cathode ray tubes,
• other electrical and electronic equipment containing dangerous substances.

Retailers must also be aware of hazardous waste in unused or "off-specification" batches of goods that they throw away.

What is to be done?

Retailers should take action now and follow these four steps:

• check the types of waste they produce,
• take steps to reduce the amount of waste,
• talk to their waste contractor,
• budget for rising costs.

Where to get help

• Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can contact Envirowise (www.envirowise.gov.uk) to arrange a free FastTrack audit. Phone: 0800 585794.
• The Environment Agency (www.environment-agency.gov.uk) has a general enquiry line on 0870 8506506.

If in doubt contact one of these agencies or Medway Council.

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