WASTE

WHAT HAPPENS TO WASTE
That people produce waste is a fact of life we cannot change. However, we can change how much we produce,
how we manage it and what we do with it. Indeed, managing waste in a sustainable way, optimising recycling and re-use,
as well as limiting production, forms a core part of Government policy to protect the environment.
This page outlines what is in place to help local authorities reach their targets,
some of the support available for businesses to manage their waste more effectively,
and how everyone can play a part in ensuring we work together towards a future much less reliant on sending
vast amounts of waste to landfill.
WHAT IS WASTE
There is no definitive list of what is and is not waste.
Whether or not a substance is discarded as waste - and when waste ceases to be waste - a
re matters that must be determined on the facts of the case and the interpretation of
the law is a matter for the Courts. It rests, in the first place, with the producer or holder of a substance
to decide whether it is being discarded as waste and the Environment Agency is responsible,
as a "competent authority", for the enforcement of waste management controls in England and Wales.
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has issued several judgments on the interpretation of the definition
of waste and the meaning of "discard". ECJ judgements are binding on Member States and their competent authorities.
A summary of ECJ judgements on the interpretation of the definition of waste has been published.