Guidance

Storing catalytic converters at metal recycling sites: RPS 200

Published 8 September 2016

This guidance was withdrawn on

The standard rules permits have now been varied to include the storage of catalytic converters at metal recycling sites. This regulatory position is no longer needed.

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/storing-catalytic-converters-at-metal-recycling-sites-rps-200/storing-catalytic-converters-at-metal-recycling-sites-rps-200

This regulatory position statement (RPS) applies if you have an environmental permit to operate a metal recycling site and it allows you to store catalytic converters. The term catalytic converter used in this RPS also includes diesel particulate filters (DPFs).

Catalytic converters that contain, or may contain refractory ceramic fibre (RCF) matting are hazardous waste. Businesses disposing of catalytic converters must use the List of Waste code 16 01 21* on consignment notes and waste returns.

If your permit doesn’t allow you to accept waste with the List of Waste code 16 01 21* you must apply to vary (change) your permit if you want to continue to accept catalytic converters.

To give you time to vary your permit, the Environment Agency has issued this temporary RPS. This RPS will end on 31 August 2017 and you must apply to vary your permit by this date.

If you comply with the conditions in this RPS you can continue to bulk up and store whole catalytic converters whilst you vary your permit.

If you don’t vary your permit to include List of Waste code 16 01 21* you must stop accepting catalytic converters that contain, or may contain RCF.

1. Conditions you must comply with

You must meet these conditions to follow this RPS.

You must:

  • have an environmental permit that allows you to accept List of Waste code 16 01 22 or non-hazardous catalytic converters
  • comply fully with the requirements of the hazardous waste regulations, such as using consignment notes and completing consignee returns
  • store and transport the catalytic converters and DPFs in a way that doesn’t result in piercing or damage to the metal casing
  • double bag in a minimum of 400 gauge polyethylene, or wrap in a minimum of 400 gauge polyethylene sheeting, any catalytic converter unit or DPF with a damaged metal casing

You mustn’t:

  • store more than 50 tonnes of hazardous waste, including catalytic converters containing RCF at your site at any one time
  • treat (de-can) or carry out further processing of catalytic converters or DPFs on site

You must make sure the way you store the catalytic converters doesn’t endanger human health or the environment. You mustn’t:

  • cause a risk to water, air, soil, plants or animals
  • cause a nuisance through noise or odours
  • adversely affect the countryside or places of special interest

2. Enforcement

An RPS means that the Environment Agency will not normally take enforcement action against you provided:

  • your activity meets the description set out in this RPS
  • you comply with the conditions set out in this RPS
  • your activity doesn’t (and isn’t likely to) cause environmental pollution or harm human health

3. Contact the Environment Agency

Contact the Environment Agency if you need help.

General enquiries

National Customer Contact Centre
PO Box 544
Rotherham
S60 1BY

Email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk

Telephone 03708 506 506

Telephone from outside the UK (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm GMT) +44 (0) 114 282 5312

Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.

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