What is Toxic Waste?
Toxic Waste is waste which may be harmful, be it of a corrosive nature, or poisonous or of a volatile state which could give off chemical fumes or even ignite.
As such, toxic waste must be appropriately labelled and collected by specialist licensed contractors who will transport and dispose of the material at licensed disposal sites. Licences are issued and regulated by the Environment Agency.
The burning of waste likely to give off toxic fumes such as cable burning, the burning of tyres and plastics is illegal and offenders can be prosecuted under the Clean Air Act 1993 and associated legislation.
Similarly, the burning of other waste including garden waste is to be discouraged as it may give rise to nuisance from smoke and odour. If a statutory nuisance is witnessed from such burning the person responsible may be prosecuted under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
If you need to report a spillage or accident including Toxic Waste, please contact Fire and Rescue Services immediately.