Since the 1 April 2016, the Environmental Regulations team at Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) has now transferred to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
The team has responsibility for a range of waste mandates and policies, which will now be run from within Defra, including:
- Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
- End of Life Vehicles (ELVs)
- Waste batteries and accumulators
- Packaging (Essential Requirements)
- Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS)
Greater coordination
In a statement from the government prior to the transfer, it stated that “with much of the legislation and related work split between the two departments, transferring the team and resource from BIS to Defra will enable, and ensure, greater coordination of government policy and the combined regulatory responsibilities”.
The change comes soon after cuts were made within BIS, which included the plan to close the department’s office in Sheffield by 2018, resulting in probable job losses, some of which could possibly affect the Environmental Regulations team.
Business as usual
These changes will have little to no impact on members and the step to move the six-person team at BIS into Defra will reinforce collaborative thinking between the two bodies and ensure any policy changes will reflect both the UK’s environmental and business requirements.
If you would like to discuss your compliance needs please contact our team of specialists on 0845 094 2228 or email info@ecosurety.com.
Robbie Staniforth
Head of policy
Having gained a wealth of experience in regulatory affairs, waste issues and secondary commodity market analysis, Robbie uses his skills internally as an operational board member and externally to influence legislation change as head of policy. He is responsible for liaising with government, regulators and industry organisations to articulate complex views and interests and to provide high-level policy expertise, industry insight and market analysis to our members.
Useful links
In a recent article for Circular, the news and insights resource from CIWM, Robbie Staniforth explored the future landscape of EPR this year and beyond
Read More >>Defra have committed to new EPR regulations including bulky waste, tyres and building materials.
Read More >>CEO James Piper and head of policy Robbie Staniforth are both booked to speak at the leading event for the recycling industry this September.
Read More >>
