Hazardous waste: how to complete your consignee return
Summary
The Environment Agency has published guidance on completing consignee returns for hazardous waste received, rejected or disposed of in England. It explains reporting duties, spreadsheet requirements, reduced reporting arrangements for certain waste movements, and how to handle rejected loads and multiple authorisations.
Why it matters
Residential property surveyors may encounter hazardous waste issues during inspections, refurbishment, remediation or site management, particularly where waste handling and documentation are involved. The guidance highlights compliance risks around incomplete or inaccurate reporting and the need for robust record-keeping.
Key points
- Consignees must report hazardous waste received, rejected or disposed of at the place of production.
- Incomplete, false or misleading data is an offence; quality control is required.
- Some waste movements qualify for reduced reporting and charging, but not unconsigned hazardous waste.
- Rejected waste must still be reported on quarterly returns, with no fees for rejected wastes.
- Separate returns are required where waste is received under multiple authorisations at the same site.
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