Toxic Waste Detoxification Proposals
The Minister said detoxification was currently the producers’ responsibility, while an EEC directive and planned legislation would establish stronger regulation and disposal controls.
asked the Minister for the Environment the proposals, if any, in his Department for the detoxification of toxic waste.
Comment on this
There are no proposals in my Department for detoxification of toxic wastes. This is primarily a matter for the producers of such wastes.
Comment on this
Does that mean that radioactive material can be disposed of by private individuals without any controls from the Department of the Environment?
Comment on this
The responsibility for toxic waste at the moment rests with the producers. The need for common provisions to ensure regulation and satisfactory disposal of toxic waste was recognised by the EEC and by this Government. A Council directive was adopted on 20 March 1978 and must be implemented within a period of two years. The Minister has already announced that the legislation relating to waste is being examined to ensure that local authorities are provided with adequate powers to discharge their appropriate planning and control functions in relation to toxic and other waste.