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4.2.1 Legislative Framework for Disposal of Waste to Land
The government has developed a waste hierarchy for waste:
REDUCTION: Most Favourable
REUSE
RECOVERY
DISPOSAL: Least Favourable
The government's strategy for waste minimisation is reflected in Part V of the Environment Act 1995. This part of the Act outlined provisions for a National Waste Strategy for England and Wales. Read:
A Way With Waste, the waste strategy for England and Wales.
The legislation currently governing waste is contained in the Control of Pollution Act 1974 (COPA). Part II of EPA 1990 provides for waste collection and disposal and clarifies many uncertain or ignored sections of COPA 1974. Regulatory bodies with specific responsibilities were established under EPA 1990, and they were:
- Waste Disposal Authorities (WDA's).
- Waste Collection Authorities (WCA's).
EA 1995 has amended EPA 1990 further and now the regulatory body is the Environment Agency. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, which requires safe working practices, provide further constraints on the waste disposal industry. This in turn limits an organisation's disposal options and requires it to have knowledge of the hazards associated with wastes.
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