FSB warn of fly-tipping increase

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has warned that plans to reduce the number of tips that accept hazardous waste, at the same time as increasing the types of rubbish that are classified as hazardous, could result in a huge increase in fly-tipping unless the government acts quickly.

From July 2004, a wide range of everyday items such as computers, televisions, and fluorescent lights will be re-classified as hazardous under new EU rules. At the same time the number of landfill sites licensed to deal with such waste is set to be slashed from 182 to 14.

The aim of the new rules is to ensure the correct and safe management of hazardous waste. However, the FSB is concerned that the regulations will cause huge practical difficulties to small firms.

John Holbrow, FSB Environment Chairman, said: "With fewer landfill sites and higher transportation costs, the cost of disposing hazardous waste is set to rocket. The vast majority of businesses will be affected because they all produce rubbish that will soon be re-classified as hazardous.

“Another change will require hazardous waste to be separated from other rubbish, requiring additional storage facilities. If small firms fail to segregate their rubbish they will be charged for the disposal of all their waste at the higher price."

He added: “For some businesses, such as building contractors who use skips, the segregation of waste is difficult particularly as skips are essentially open to the public. The danger is that the added cost could result in businesses seeking cheaper and therefore usually illegal disposal routes which could result in an increase in fly-tipping.”

(CL)