There are two Regulatory Position Statements that are published by the Environment Agency that are specifically for Waste Authorities or their contracted services.
Both these are due for review. Please remember though that the RPS’s are still “live” and available as the review is undertaken, until a new RPS is published. I have attached the drafts of these two RPS’s and am looking for comments from yourselves to ensure that these RPS are useful to you, still needed, and fit for purpose.
These are the two RPS:
- RPS 079 Waste collection authorities contingency planning. This RPS refers to the setting up of collection points for household waste by a waste authority or contractor. It is intended for use during a “period of contingency” such as a strike, adverse weather etc., and therefore could be for an extended period (weeks). As such, there are relatively few absolute conditions, and notification is needed with the EA to use. We have seen this used this year in the Midlands, though in this case the original sites set up were under the RPS, then moved into local positions from the local area EA staff as the types of waste accepted was extended to include business waste.
- RPS 223 Temporary collection points in local communities to collect householders’ waste. This RPS is more intended for “pop up” sites in a local area to target the collection of material, for example as a result of local flytipping. These are intended to be much more temporary in nature (one day / days) and in addition to usual waste collection services. We have not had a great deal of feedback on the use of this RPS, so if you have operated this RPS, feel free to suggest improvements or make comments.
As I have mentioned, during the review period and until replaced, these positions remain “live”. Hopefully you can see this as an opportunity to ensure that these two RPS, designed for your use, are still relevant. Can I ask for any comments back by the end of October back to myself at my email David.beaven@environment-agency.gov.uk with the intention to review and publish the updated positions in December. Feel free to ring on Mobile: +447771936951 or Jabber : +442030238524 if that is easier for you.
