Waste law deluge rapped

They warned that the increasing raft of new legislation was placing growing pressure on their ability to manage waste and financially will cost them dearly.

The criticism is levelled by EEF Yorkshire and Humberside whose regional director, Ian Hughes, said: "There is a huge range of legislation either in place or in the offing, which will require all companies to reassess how they dispose of waste.

"The current situation, where landfill is relatively cheap, will not continue. There is no escaping it - costs will increase."

His organisation was now producing a report with recommendations for action by government and by waste producers.

"With careful planning, some companies may be able to turn this problem into an opportunity. There are cost-effective alternatives to landfill; and waste prevention and reduction techniques are not used as widely as they could be."

He also called for government action. "This needs strong leadership and excellent forward planning," he said, adding that income from raised landfill tax rates to which the Government was already committed, could be invested in a new waste disposal infrastructure.

Here's how the new waste disposal laws stack up:

Last year new laws banned the disposal of whole tyres.

In November, under the End Of Life Vehicles Directive, dumping of lead, mercury, cadmium and hexavalent chromium was banned.

In July this year the Landfill Directive will end the dumping of hazardous and non-hazardous waste together in the same landfill site and there will be a requirement to treat the hazardous waste.

In August the Government's Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive will become law. It is designed to ensure that electrical items must be recycled.

In July next year new criteria will be laid down for waste acceptance under the Landfill Directive and under the same directive there will be a ban on the disposal of shredded tyres in 2006.

Updated: 10:05 Thursday, February 26, 2004