Waste Strategy gets help from Haz Guide

The National Household Hazardous Waste Forum (NHHWF) has gained support for its Haz Guide from the Waste Strategy 2007. The Strategy has encouraged local authorities to take note of the Guide's suggestions for the management of household hazardous waste (HHW) at household waste recycling centres.

Waste Strategy 2007 stated that 'more can be done to improve the segregation and management of hazardous household waste', routes of which have been explored by NHHWF. The Haz guide was also inspired by the variety of methods for collection and disposal of HHW and wanted to make them more cohesive. Although current legislation requires waste disposal authorities to provide the right facilities for the collection and disposal of HHW, these facilities are extremely varied across the country. Local authorities are encouraged to provide separate collection services, and look to the Guide for good practice guidance. The Waste Strategy also points to potential changes in dealing with garden chemicals and waste paint, stating that there is scope for voluntary agreements to be put in place within the waste and public sectors, to create separate collections to recover these wastes.

The Haz Guide was first launched by the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management and the NHHWF in 2005. Funded by Defra's Waste Implementation Programme, it was formed with representatives from local authorities, the Environment Agency, waste management companies, the Health and Safety Executive and WAMTAB.

For more information, go to: www.nhhwf.org.uk