Dear Sir/Madam,

Within the Environment Agency, we are continually evaluating the quality of the data that we hold and we notice that a number of our customers are still using the old UK Waste Classification Scheme (UKWCS) when making site returns.

Since the Landfill Directive was introduced in 2004, the waste classification has been updated to the European Waste Classification (EWC) system (and now the list of wastes). This letter requests your co-operation in using the new system for future site returns.

The new EWC system is similar to the earlier UK system and the enclosed CD contains guidance on the new waste codings. It also contains a number of useful links to websites. The Waste Operator Returns form on the EA website is retrieved through the menu as follows; Waste – Waste Management Industry – Business Waste Management – Regulations / licenses / guidance – Waste Management Licensing – Forms and Guidance and finally the Waste Return Form England. You can download this form and complete using the EWC codings. The form should then be sent electronically as an attachment to your local Environment Agency office. This will reduce the administrative impact on you and enable us to manage data more efficiently. If you are unable to submit the information electronically a paper return should be made.

If you have any queries, in the first instance, please contact our National Helpline on 08708 506506 who should be able to solve your query or redirect your call to someone who can.

The CD also explains the wider context of Waste Data and the national approach being taken by us, together with Defra and the Welsh Assembly Government. This National Waste Data Strategy is gathering information from a number of different databases. The analysis will be available to the Waste Industry and to the public at large. The data analysis can also be provided to Local, Regional and National Government whilst ensuring the UK fulfils its Eurostat reporting obligations.

Yours faithfully,

PHIL LODGE
Process Manager (Waste Regulation)