Problems with waste disposal controls

Two significant deficiencies in the drafting of the waste disposal controls under the Control of Pollution Act 1974 have been revealed by a decision of the Divisional Court. Although one of the problem areas is addressed in the waste management provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, these are unlikely to come into effect until mid-1992 at the earliest, and in the interim the enforcement authorities may find their powers seriously inhibited as a result of the court's decision.