In 2000, a suite of four ‘Pollution Prevention’ Regulations developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) became enforceable. One of these Regulations is the Hazardous Wastes Management Regulations which is intended to aid in the control of hazardous discharges whether on land or into the air and water ways.

The EPA has also created guidelines to increase the public awareness and understanding of the proper way of handling, disposing, treating and storing of hazardous wastes. It is important to understand that hazardous wastes are both dangerous to human health and the environment and if not dealt with correctly can have detrimental impacts.
The Hazardous Wastes Regulations (2000) were created to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of pollution from very dangerous substances. Therefore, once the Agency becomes aware that persons are generating, handling, storing or transporting hazardous substances in an improper manner, the Hazardous Waste Management Regulations will be enforced and can result in penalties by way of a fine, imprisonment or closure of facilities.
Hazardous waste is waste or a combination of wastes which, because of its quantity, concentration, physical, chemical or infectious characteristics may pose a health hazard. The lists of hazardous waste focused on by the Agency to be controlled are:
 Wastes from the production and preparation of pharmaceutical products;
 Waste Oils;
 Used Lead Acid Batteries;
 Asbestos;
 Clinical wastes from medical care in hospitals, medical centers and clinics;
 Waste pharmaceuticals, drugs and medicines; and
 Wastes from the production, formulation and use of biocides and phyto-pharmaceuticals.
Environmental Authorisation
Since the year 2000, any operator of a facility that generates, stores, transports, disposes or treats hazardous wastes must write and submit a “notice of activity” to the EPA. The EPA will publish the notice at least twice in a daily newspaper. Members of the public can make objections at least 60 days after the date of the last publication. A copy of the objection will be sent to the applicant who will then submit an application for an Environmental Authorisation. The EPA will consider these objections when deciding to grant the Environmental Authorisation.

A facility that stores or generates hazardous wastes in quantities less than 100kg per month; acute hazardous wastes in quantities less than 1 kg per month; or accumulates up to 1000 kg of hazardous wastes on site does not need to apply for an Environmental Authorization from the EPA.

WARNING!!
Hazardous Waste is dangerous to our health and the environment. Always ensure you read labels carefully and follow the safety precautions before using any substance. It can save your life!
Persons are advised to call the EPA on 225-5467-9 ext 240 or 245 for more information.
You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: ‘Our Earth, Our Environment’, C/O EIT Division, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com