กฎหมายขยะและสิ่งแวดล้อม
หน้าที่ในการดูแลขยะ การทิ้งขยะผิดกฎหมาย ใบอนุญาตสิ่งแวดล้อม และใบอนุญาตจัดการขยะ
บทนำ
Waste regulation in England & Wales is governed primarily by the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (Part II), the Environment Act 1995 (establishing the Environment Agency), and the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016. The waste hierarchy (prevention, reuse, recycling, recovery, disposal) underpins policy. Anyone who produces, imports, keeps, stores, transports, treats, or disposes of waste has a duty of care to ensure it is managed properly. The Environment Agency is the principal regulator, with local authorities responsible for household waste collection and fly-tipping enforcement.
หลักการพื้นฐาน
Duty of Care (s.34 EPA 1990) — All producers and handlers of waste must take reasonable measures to prevent unauthorised disposal, ensure waste is only transferred to authorised persons, and provide waste transfer notes.
Waste Hierarchy — EU-derived principle requiring prevention, reuse, recycling, recovery, and disposal as last resort.
Environmental Permitting — Waste management facilities require an environmental permit from the Environment Agency.
Fly-Tipping (s.33 EPA 1990) — Offence to deposit controlled waste on land without a permit. Unlimited fine and/or up to 5 years' imprisonment on indictment.
Hazardous Waste — Subject to additional controls under the Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005. Must be segregated and disposed of through authorised routes.
Producer Responsibility — Producers of packaging, electronics (WEEE), batteries, and end-of-life vehicles have specific duties to fund collection and recycling.
Contaminated Land (Part IIA EPA 1990) — Regime for identifying and remediating contaminated land. 'Polluter pays' principle applies.
กฎหมายสำคัญ
Environmental Protection Act 1990
Environment Act 1995
Environment Act 2021
สถานการณ์ทั่วไป
Waste dumped on your land
Report fly-tipping to the local authority or Environment Agency. The landowner is not automatically liable but may be required to clear the waste. Check if CCTV or evidence identifies the offender.
Starting a waste collection business
Must register as a waste carrier with the Environment Agency. Upper tier registration required for those who regularly carry waste. Comply with duty of care requirements.