Currently, companies in the UK have a legally applied duty to ensure that any waste that they produce is accurately described, appropriately handled and disposed of in accordance with current legislative requirements.

This is particularly the case for difficult and hazardous wastes, which can be classed as ‘Special’ where specific regulations are in place governing the classification, transportation and disposal of wastes – e.g. The Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005.

These Duty of Care obligations apply from the moment waste is created until final disposal. As such, the waste producer must ensure that all aspects of the transportation, transfer and disposal their wastes are being handled by suitably licensed bodies using safe, authorised methods.