Fortnightly Bulletin – 17th February 2025
19 February 2025
Guidance
Storing and depressurising nominally empty nitrous oxide canisters: RPS 289
The Environment Agency (EA) has released updated guidance on the handling and storage of nitrous oxide canisters classified as nominally empty. This Regulatory Position Statement (RPS) does not change your legal requirement to have and comply with an environmental permit for a waste operation when you store discarded nitrous oxide canisters and depressurise them. Storage and controlled depressurisation must be at a collection site, or a site operated by the waste producer.
Source: gov.uk
For the full guidance, click here: Storing and depressurising nominally empty nitrous oxide canisters: RPS 289 – GOV.UK
Using waste fire extinguishers for training: RPS 221
This RPS applies to when you can store and use waste fire extinguishers to train people to fight fires. The guidance is designed to reduce waste, while supporting fire safety training initiatives.
Source: gov.uk
For the full guidance, click here: Using waste fire extinguishers for training: RPS 221 – GOV.UK
Low-risk waste positions: electrical equipment, including constituent parts and accessories
The EA has clarified low-risk waste positions for handling and processing electrical equipment, including constituent parts and accessories. This guidance applies to businesses looking to reuse, recycle, or dispose of such items without requiring a waste management permit (under certain conditions).
Source: gov.uk
For the full guidance, click here: Low risk waste positions: electrical equipment, including constituent parts and accessories – GOV.UK
Low-risk waste positions: miscellaneous
This updated guidance covers various waste types that can be managed under low-risk waste positions, providing flexibility for businesses engaged in waste recovery and disposal activities, while maintaining compliance with environmental regulations.
Source: gov.uk
For the full guidance, click here: Low risk waste positions: miscellaneous – GOV.UK
Shredding waste upholstered domestic seating containing POPs: RPS 264
New rules have been introduced for the shredding of waste upholstered domestic seating containing Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). This guidance provides instructions to ensure compliance with environmental protection standards while handling such waste.
Source: gov.uk
For the full guidance, click here: Shredding waste upholstered domestic seating containing POPs: RPS 264 – GOV.UK
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) public registers
The latest public register update includes details on businesses and facilities handling WEEE. This helps organisations track compliance and ensures transparency in the management and disposal of electronic waste.
Source: gov.uk
For the full guidance, click here: Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) public registers – GOV.UK
Recyclability assessment methodology: how to assess your packaging waste
Under the extended producer responsibility for packaging legislation, large producers must report the recyclability of some packaging materials.
From 1st January 2025, liable producers who supply household packaging must assess the recyclability of that packaging and report the results of the assessment to the environmental regulator.
Source: gov.uk
For the full guidance, click here: Recyclability assessment methodology: how to assess your packaging waste – GOV.UK
Articles of Interest
Spending on flood defences set to rise to record levels
The UK government has announced an increase in flood defence spending, raising the budget to over £2.6 billion for the next two years. This funding aims to enhance flood resilience for homes and businesses across England, with an additional £250 million allocated beyond previous commitments. The investment will support infrastructure projects designed to mitigate the growing risks of extreme weather events.
Source: bbc.co.uk
Read more here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cly5rln4yd3o
‘First’ global platform for battery recycling launches
A pioneering online platform, ReBattery, has been launched in London, providing a global digital marketplace to connect companies with certified battery recyclers and repurposers. This initiative aims to streamline battery recycling processes, improve resource efficiency, and contribute to a more sustainable circular economy.
Source: letsrecycle.com
London’s new super sewer now fully connected
The £5 billion Thames Tideway Tunnel, London’s ‘super sewer,’ is now fully connected and operational. The system is already preventing approximately 500,000 tonnes of sewage from entering the River Thames each year, significantly improving water quality and reducing pollution.
Source: bbc.co.uk
Read more here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvg875g71lvo
Reuse: 26 million adults purchased second-hand last year
A new survey by Suez Recycling and Recovery UK reveals that more than 26 million UK adults purchased second-hand goods in 2024. The report highlights a generational shift, with 61% of 18-34-year-olds actively choosing reused or repaired items compared to 35% of those over 55. This trend underscores the growing momentum of the circular economy and sustainable consumer habits.
Source: letsrecycle.com
Read more here: https://www.letsrecycle.com/news/reuse-26-million-adults-purchased-second-hand-last-year/
National Waste Crime Survey 2024-25 launched
The EA is calling on industry and the public to take part in its third National Waste Crime Survey, launched today (Monday 3rd February), to gain a greater understanding of waste crime across England.
Taking the time to respond to our survey is crucial in making England’s approach to tackling waste crime and waste management safer and efficient, and helping us crack down on criminality. The public’s awareness and experience will help the Environment Agency in taking the most effective action against waste criminals.
Source: gov.uk
Read more here: National Waste Crime Survey 2024-25 launched – GOV.UK
Environment Agency secures record commitments from water sector
The EA working closely with Natural England has secured the largest ever commitment from water companies to clean up the environment and invest in new infrastructure since privatisation.
The Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP) sets out over 24,000 actions water companies must take over the next five years to meet their legal requirements for the environment. This series of targeted interventions represents a £22.1bn investment in the environment – four times more than was secured in the last Price Review and will deliver tangible benefits for our water system and for customers.
Source: gov.uk
Read more here: Environment Agency secures record commitments from water sector – GOV.UK
Enforcement Action
Man prosecuted for running illegal waste site near Milton Keynes
An individual has been fined for illegally operating a waste site near Milton Keynes. An EA investigation found that waste, including asbestos, was being burned dangerously close to a residential area and an ancient woodland, posing significant health and environmental risks.
Source: gov.uk
Read more here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/man-prosecuted-for-running-illegal-waste-site-near-milton-keynes
Three men arrested in connection with Hoads Wood illegal waste dumping
Three men were arrested on 5th February as part of an investigation into the large-scale, illegal tipping of waste at the Hoads Wood Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in Ashford, Kent.
The EA began a criminal investigation in 2023 after 30,000 tonnes of household and construction waste, piled 15 feet high in places, was discovered to have been dumped throughout Hoads Wood, near Ashford.
The investigation seeks to establish those responsible for co-ordinating the offending and bring them to court. These arrests mark an important next step in delivering justice for the local community.
Source: gov.uk
Read more here: Three men arrested in connection with Hoads Wood illegal waste dumping – GOV.UK
Events
International Energy Week Event by the Energy Institute
25th – 27th February 2025 | London
Over three days, this event will feature high-profile keynotes, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, culminating in the prestigious International Energy Week dinner and awards ceremony. Attracting over 1,000 global delegates, this is a key event for professionals in corporate strategy, business development, and energy innovation.
Read more here: https://www.ieweek.co.uk/
The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) | Keeping ethics relevant in water and environmental management
25th March 2025 | Peterborough
This one-day conference will explore ethical dilemmas in water and environmental management, providing a platform for discussion on how professional codes of ethics influence decision-making. It will feature interactive workshops, case studies, and insights from leading professionals, making it particularly relevant for members of the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM), Society for the Environment (SocEnv), and the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA).
Read more here: https://www.ciwem.org/events/keeping-ethics-relevant-in-water-and-environment-management-peterborough-in-person-conference
