Final Report - ERTDI report 12 - Duffy et al
Summary: Developing a definitive methodology to guide holders of waste through categorisation of waste, and which could also be used by regulators in making a determination.
Executive Summary
According to the Waste Management Act, 1996, waste categorised as hazardous waste must be handled in accordance with certain procedures. In many instances, however, there can be considerable confusion when attempting to determine whether or not a waste is to be categorised as hazardous waste.
Holders of waste may apply to have a waste categorised as non-hazardous waste - even though the waste may be on the hazardous waste list - if it does not exhibit the properties of a hazardous waste. The Waste Management Act, 1996, implements appropriate European Union (EU) legislation, in particular, the Hazardous Waste Directive from 1991 and the associated EU Decisions implementing the European Waste Catalogue (EWC) and the Hazardous Waste List (HWL).
Further reference is required to the Dangerous Substances Directive and associated test methods. The procedures for determining if a waste is hazardous waste are often complex and difficult to follow.
There is a requirement, therefore, for a definitive methodology, backed by all pertinent information, which would guide a holder of waste through the categorisation of its waste, and which could also be used by regulators in making a determination. Irish and EU legislation are decisive, but practice in other countries may be informative.
Various international and national regulatory frameworks and practices were reviewed. All the relevant legislation was gathered and the properties and test methods of the Dangerous Substances Directive and its amendments were distilled into a usable format.
The only effective approach to this project, ultimately, was the production of a paper-based tool and a prototype computer-based package, which can guide the user through the procedures. Both tools direct the user to current Irish legislation and also address changes to the legislation which are due to be implemented on 1 January 2002.
The paper-based tool is in the form of a workbook with associated worksheet. Five worked examples are provided to illustrate the use of the paper-based tool.
This paper-based tool is available from the Environmental Protection Agency.
Full executive summary in report.
