The Waste Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2019, No. 240 (as amended)

The Waste Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2019 were introduced to regulate waste management activities in Northern Ireland, with the aim of promoting sustainable waste management practices, increasing recycling rates, and reducing the environmental impact of waste disposal.

Purpose:

1. Promotion of Waste Hierarchy: The regulations prioritize waste management practices according to the waste hierarchy, which places emphasis on waste prevention, reuse, recycling, recovery, and disposal as a last resort. This encourages businesses and individuals to minimize waste generation and maximize resource efficiency.

Requirements:

1. Duty of Care: Waste producers, carriers, and managers are required to adhere to the duty of care obligations, ensuring that waste is handled, stored, transported, and disposed of properly to prevent environmental pollution and harm to public health.
2. Waste Management Licensing: Facilities involved in waste management activities, such as waste disposal sites and treatment facilities, must obtain appropriate licenses from regulatory authorities to operate legally. This ensures that waste management facilities meet specified standards and comply with regulatory requirements.
3. Waste Reporting Obligations: Businesses, local authorities, and waste management facilities are obligated to report data on waste generation, recycling, and disposal to regulatory authorities. This includes submitting annual waste data returns and other relevant reports to facilitate monitoring of waste management activities and track progress towards waste reduction and recycling targets.

Applicability:

1. Stakeholders: The Waste Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2019 apply to a wide range of stakeholders involved in waste management activities in Northern Ireland, including businesses, industries, local authorities, waste management companies, and regulatory bodies.

Overall, these regulations aim to improve waste management practices, reduce waste sent to landfill, and promote the transition towards a more circular economy in Northern Ireland, where resources are used more efficiently and waste is minimized. Compliance with these regulations is essential for demonstrating adherence to waste management standards and regulatory obligations.

The evidence requirements outlined in The Waste Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2019 aim to ensure compliance with waste management standards and regulations, as well as facilitate effective monitoring and enforcement of waste management activities. Key aspects of the evidence requirements include:

1. Waste Management Plans: Entities involved in waste management activities, such as waste producers, carriers, and managers, must develop and implement comprehensive waste management plans. These plans outline how waste will be handled, stored, transported, treated, and disposed of in compliance with regulatory standards. Evidence of the development and implementation of these plans is required.
2. Duty of Care Records: Waste producers, carriers, and managers are required to maintain accurate and up-to-date records demonstrating compliance with the duty of care obligations. This includes records of waste quantities, types, origins, destinations, and transfer documentation (e.g., waste transfer notes). These records serve as evidence of proper waste management practices.
3. Waste Management Licensing: Facilities involved in waste management activities, such as waste disposal sites, treatment facilities, and waste carriers, must obtain appropriate licenses from regulatory authorities. Evidence of license applications, approvals, and compliance with license conditions is necessary to demonstrate legal operation and adherence to regulatory requirements.
4. Waste Reporting Obligations: Businesses, local authorities, and waste management facilities are obligated to report data on waste generation, recycling, and disposal to regulatory authorities. This includes submitting annual waste data returns and other relevant reports containing accurate and comprehensive information. Evidence of timely and accurate submission of waste data returns is required.
5. Environmental Impact Assessments: Depending on the nature and scale of the proposed activities, applicants for waste management licenses may be required to conduct environmental impact assessments (EIAs). Evidence of EIAs, including assessment reports and mitigation measures, may be required to evaluate potential environmental effects and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

Overall, the evidence requirements of The Waste Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2019 aim to ensure that waste management activities are conducted responsibly, minimizing environmental pollution and protecting public health and safety. Compliance with these requirements is essential for demonstrating adherence to regulatory standards and obligations.