Written question asked by Barry Sheerman (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 19 March 1996. It was answered by James Clappison (Conservative) on Tuesday, 19 March 1996 on behalf of the Department of the Environment.

Dept of the Environment

Question: What method his Department recommends for the safe disposal of (a) mercury, (b) lead, (c) cadmium and (d) PCBs.

Answer: Mr. Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what method his Department recommends for the safe disposal of (a) mercury, (b) lead, (c) cadmium and (d) polychlorinated biphenyls.[21390] Mr. Clappison: The recommended method of disposal for these substances will depend on their chemical and physical form, the quantity and the availability of disposal facilities. In general where they are not recovered, mercury, lead and cadmium my be safely disposed to a suitable landfill either directly or after chemical and/or physical treatment. PCB wastes should be incinerated. At very low concentrations they may be landfilled. There are other specific treatments for PCB-contaminated transformer oils which destroy the PCB to an extent that allows the oil to be reused. Detailed guidance on methods for the safe disposal of wastes is available in waste management papers published by the Department. The relevant papers are: WMP No. 12 Mercury-bearing Wastes; WMP No. 24 Cadmium-bearing Wastes; WMP No. 6 Polychlorinated Biphenyls; and WMP No. 11 Metal Finishing Wastes which includes some lead wastes. In addition, WMP No. 26F co-disposal landfill, currently in preparation, will give guidance on loading rates for these and certain other wastes.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 21390; 274 c141-2W
Session: 1995-96
Subjects: Hazardous substances Lead Waste disposal Waste Polychlorinated biphenyls Mercury Cadmium