Customer Notification: The law regarding hazardous waste wood is changing from 1 September 2023

From 1 September 2023, the law regarding waste wood from demolition and refurbishment activities is changing. From this date, the Environment Agency will withdraw regulatory position statement (RPS) 250, which applies to hazardous waste wood removed from domestic premises, demolition sites and other business premises.

This withdrawal means processors and recyclers of waste wood must revert to the current law and will change the way in which waste wood is currently classified, transferred and processed. 

A significant part of this change is the potential hazardous classification of some items from pre-2007 buildings. The list of items includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Barge boards, fascias and soffits
• External joinery (wooden windows & conservatories)
• External doors
• Roof timbers
• Tiling and cladding battens
• Timber frames/joists

What does this mean for you?

You must ensure that you understand what type of waste you are producing or handling, and classify it accordingly. Hazardous waste wood (EWC 17 02 04*) is not permitted in our waste processing facilities at Tipner, Portsmouth, Southampton and Yapton, and therefore cannot be received directly through our third party tipping service, or indirectly through our waste collection services such as skip hire.

THE FOLLOWING CHANGES TO OUR SERVICES WILL TAKE EFFECT FROM 1 SEPTEMBER 2023:

– Our terms and conditions of sale will be updated to explicitly exclude hazardous waste wood (EWC 17 02 04*) from being tipped at our waste processing facilities and placed within our skips. You must ensure you understand and comply with our terms and conditions of sale.

– By using our services, you are declaring that any waste wood that we’re collecting or receiving is non-hazardous. Guidance on classification will be displayed on our website and at our waste processing facilities.

If you would like additional information on this to better understand the changes and how they may affect you, please please visit woodrecyclers.org or gov.co.uk.

If you have any questions relating to this matter, please contact us at enquiries@tj-group.co.uk. We remain committed to providing an excellent service to you and appreciate your continued understanding and support.