Government to consult on changes to recycling exports

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A consultation has been launched on whether the UK should amend the Transfrontier Shipment of Waste Regulations 2007.

Among the proposed changes are that Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs would be able to disclose relevant export data to the Environment Agency, SEPA, Department of the Environment Northern Ireland and the new Natural Resources Body for Wales.

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The aim of this would be to provide the four bodies with more intelligence to crack down on illegal waste exports.

It also suggests that the Border Force be given the power to stop and detain suspect containers should the opportunity arise. If permission is given for this, the Border Force would be allowed to detain containers for up to five working days.

Another proposal is that the Environment Agency receives the power from the Secretary of State to take responsibility for the transit of waste from or to the UK.

The consultation also calls for a change in fees charged by authorities in Northern Ireland to bring them more in line with the rest of the UK.

Following a closing date of 10 May 2013 for responses to the consultation, the Government hopes to bring the new regulations into effect by the early summer of 2013. 

View the consultation document here