The slow rate of applications for authorisations under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 suggests that most British businesses are probably still oblivious of how radical the changes in the law are although the more forward looking companies have a policy of due diligence in assessing the environmental impact of their activities and how this might be improved, for example by changes in the sourcing of inputs and the organisation of and technologies used in their businesses. Although often imposing an immediate cost, such studies have frequently shown that the results of environmental audits quickly pay for themselves. It is clear that the political hue of Westminster governments is no longer the principal determinant of environmental legislation in the country. The real impetus comes from the EC, chiefly in the form of Directives whose objectives the governments of Member States are obliged to meet within a stated period of time by means of domestic legislation. Liability for Waste Businesses face unlimited fines under the UK's tough 'cradle to grave' anti-pollution laws.
Firms are responsible for the waste they produce even after it has been taken off their hands.
They are intended to ensure that the producer of waste continues to have some responsibility for its safe handling even after it has been transferred to the local authority or other waste carrier. Any breach will be a criminal offence for which unlimited fines may be imposed. Only household waste from domestic properties is exempt. Under separate legislation all commercial carriers of waste, including demolition contractors, commit a criminal offence if they are not registered with the County Council, or can show that they are exempt from registration requirements. This is a new and potentially serious problem arising out of environmental protection legislation.