The UK Waste law is designed to help regulate how waste is disposed and ensures that it is disposed in a safe manner. Fines for breaking laws are hefty in the UK to discourage companies and individuals from poor waste disposal habits. It aims to reduce, reuse and recycle whenever possible.
From 2015, the UK waste regulations put in place laws that require households and businesses to fully segregate their waste. This meant dividing waste into general and recyclables. Materials like paper, plastic, glass and metal can be recycled. This was to improve the quantity and quality of recycling across the UK.
The UK has laws which require businesses to ensure that a portion of what they sell is recycled and recovered. The businesses include companies in the packaging industry, companies that make batteries, electrical and electronic components and the automobile industry.
The Environment Agency works with businesses to ensure that it’s easy, particularly for small business to recycle and they have access to how to reduce their waste. It also ensures that enforcement is based on risk and that business that perform well are recognized so that the industry will improve on environmental performance.
This is done by giving clear information about the agencies services and they work closely with businesses to reduce water.
Fines
In October 2015, a 5p charge was introduced for single use plastic carrier bags. This was aimed to help reduce the use of these bags to help protect the environment.
Waste crime
There are different categories of waste crime such as fly tipping, operating illegal waste management sites and illegal export of waste. All these crimes can cause damage to human health and the environment. It also regulates the disposal of tyres, regulates landfill sites and controls the disposal and production of hazardous waste.