Posted By Nicola Mason Our demolition contractor has contacted us this morning with concerns over the new Hazardous Waste Regulations due to come into force on the 16th July 2005. Whilst talking with a HSE advisor they were under the impression that plasterboard is classified as hazardous waste and must be separated in the soft strip and disposed of accordingly. The contractor also claimed that the advisor indicated that there was not a disposal site that they knew off that would take such waste. I was wondering if anyone else has encountered this problem? We are aware of the registration requirements but are uncertain as to the exact requirments in relation to disposal. Is anyone else aware of the risk phrase of plasterboard?.........

Posted By Lance Morgan Defra and Environmental agency have information on new regs, waste types etc go here: http://www.defra.gov.uk/...waste/index.htm#whatishw and look at european waste catalogue. I dont think plaster board is hazardous unless it contains hazardous substance. Hope that helps lance

Posted By Salus The publication of a series of consultation papers by DEFRA and the Environment Agency has highlighted a number of significant impacts relating to the landfilling of gypsum-based wastes, including plasterboard. From 16th July 2005, the disposal of gypsum-based wastes will be restricted to specific dedicated mono cells, at non hazardous sites, providing complete segregation from any biodegradable wastes to prevent unacceptable emissions from landfill sites, particularly the release of hydrogen sulphide gas. Best practice to ensure the separate disposal of gypsum-based wastes will be through on-site segregation at source. These changes will inevitably lead to a substantial increase in waste disposal costs and a reduction in the availability of landfill facilities able to accept gypsum-based wastes over the next twelve to eighteen months. In conjunction with the forthcoming increases in Landfill Tax. Producers of all hazardous waste have to register, max. cost =£28 this is the cost for each site so if you have several this could cost you ££££. Plus the increase in landfill tax. This is another money making and tax racket on UK industry which we do not need. Where does the worn out rubber + other chemicals go from vehicle tyres that are constantly wearing out as they travel on our roads, by now I would have thought it would be metres high on our roads. If we have less landfill site, waste carry vehicles have to travel further to get to the remaning sites, where is the environmental sense in that. Higher risk from longer journeys for the drivers plus the public, more polution. Now ther will be cars dumped, fridges dumped in the cars, PC's dumped in the fridges all nicely covered over with asbestos /construction , clinical and waste I wonder what all the other new countries that wish to join the EU are and will do with their waste when they come "onboard" This country is turning into a nightmare with present legilation. most legislation does not help / protect the employer, employee or environment.

Posted By Dave Wilson If you look at the EWC Codes for waste in the List of Wastes Regs and the waste has an asterix (*) beside it then it is classed as hazardous, takes all the guess work out. Basically now only two types of waste Hazardous or non Hazardous. You will find that General mixed construction waste 17 01 07 is classed as non hazardous unless it has been contaminated by a hazardous waste, then it is 17 01 06*. 17 08 01* is gypsum based contaminated and 17 08 02 is gypsum based non hazardous. look in the 17 series for all construction waste types