In general, arisings of hazardous waste continue to decline and the Government, along with the Environment Agency in England and Wales, continues to pursue policies to encourage this process. For example, the Environment Agency-sponsored HazRed scheme encouraged small and medium sized enterprises in six key sectors to minimise and manage hazardous waste. Although the scheme is now closed, businesses and industry continue to learn from its lessons.
Other policies, such as those in the Restriction of the use of certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (ROHS) aim to reduce the amount of hazardous components and materials in certain products, which in turn leads to reductions in hazardous waste arisings.
In addition to the efforts to reduce the amount of hazardous waste generated, the Government are seeking ways to recover material and energy from hazardous waste, as well as ensuring its safe treatment and disposal.