Are local authorities legally required to provide facilities for the public to dispose of unwanted chemicals safely?
The regulations governing the management of hazardous waste are slightly different for England, Wales and Scotland. This section outlines what is expected of local authorities with responsibility for disposal of waste in each of the three countries: England and Wales In England and Wales, local authorities have statutory obligations to provide a safe disposal service for household hazardous waste. Waste disposal authorities are required to provide facilities for the disposal of chemicals at a minimum of one civic amenity site or household waste recycling centre. Relevant sites must be appropriately licensed for storage of hazardous waste by the Environment Agency and have appropriate storage facilities, eg a chemical safe for household and garden chemicals. If garden chemicals are presented at an HWRC that cannot accept them (ie does not have relevant facilities/is not licensed), they should be dealt with by: · directing the householder to the local HWRC that can accept it or · showing
