The revised EU Waste Framework Directive 2008 requires that from 1st January 2015, member states make arrangements for the collection of waste paper, metal, plastic and glass separately where ‘technically, environmentally and economically practicable’ (known as TEEP) and ‘appropriate to meet the necessary quality standards for the relevant recycling sectors’. 

The aim of the Directive which is transposed into UK law in the Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011 is to promote high quality recycling.  The regulations cover commercial and industrial waste as well as domestic waste. 

Alex Mirkovic, Commercial Director of Windsor Waste Management’s sister company Waste Cost Reduction Services says: “All waste producers will need to review their waste practices.  Commingled collections are not necessarily compliant, they need to pass the TEEP and quality tests.  We recommend that businesses retain a clear audit trail to justify any decisions made”.

There has been no statutory guidance on how the new legislation should be interpreted which is causing a lot of confusion.  To help ensure that their clients are compliant, WCRS has produced a briefing note on the new legislation.  A copy of this briefing note is available by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..