SMALL BUSINESSES AND HAZARDOUS WASTE

Early day motion 1488, tabled 8 July 2004 by Sue Doughty (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 51 members.

That this House notes the ending of co-disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous waste on 16th July; is concerned that there will be insufficient treatment capacity and an expected fall in the number of eligible merchant sites for disposal from over 200 to around 10, with no sites in Wales or the South East; notes that the majority of hazardous waste producers are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs); is concerned that the Government has failed to precede these changes with a campaign to inform SMEs of new treatment standards for hazardous waste required from 16th July; notes the danger that, in seeking to reduce increased costs and without a full understanding of their obligations, SMEs might be drawn to using cheaper, unlicensed waste contractors who are likely to fly-tip; encourages waste management contractors actively to inform their customers of the regulatory changes, their responsibilities and opportunities to minimise the financial burden through hazardous waste minimisation; and calls upon the Government to rapidly roll out information and awareness raising programmes for SMEs, particularly focusing on business that will be affected by new entries in the European Waste Catalogue.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 22, Labour 16, Conservative 4, Labour/Co-operative 3, Plaid Cymru 3, DUP 1, Scottish National Party 1, UUP 1.