Recycling Aggregates Northwest Ltd
WASTE COSTS/CATEGORIES
Since the introduction of European Union Regulations and subsequent case law, it seems the majority of excavated spoil is wrongly categorised as inert waste rather than non-hazardous waste, which it is.
This will lead to further costs when construction waste is placed in the proper category.
Many contractors who use waste transfer stations believe that all their waste is recycled and does not go to landfill. However this is a misconception as around 40% of the waste will be classed as inert waste and will still find its way to landfill.
As the cost of waste going to landfill increases this will arguably result in the cost of recycled aggregates increasing to subsidise that waste.
- October 2007 – ALL waste destined for non-hazardous or Inert Landfill, MUST be Pre-treated
- April 2008 – All projects valued @ £250k and above have a mandatory requirement to carry out a full Site Waste Management Action Plan
- April 2008 – Standard rate Landfill Tax increases to £32.00 per tonne, to £40.00 per tonne in April 2009 & £48.00 per tonne in April 2010.
It makes economic sense to start recycling as soon as possible to prevent these charges. By recycling and reusing your excavated spoil you will eliminate the need to test the waste and save paying £24.00 per tonne in landfill tax, resulting in savings exceeding £40.00 per tonne.
Contractors may attempt to;
- Maintain inert classification for their waste
- Hope none of your waste tests as hazardous
- Do nothing and hope the landfill operators fail to comply with the regulations and let you tip without the correct documents.
However, as new EA permits for landfill sites are being phased in – loopholes are constantly being eradicated. By November 2007 it will be virtually impossible to legally landfill Streetworks Spoil as inert. |
