Rules applicable to certain types of waste management operations
A) Waste incineration - Applicable rules
The operator of a waste incineration or co-incineration plant must seek prior authorisation in the form of a permit (Article 44), which is granted after the public has been informed of the contents of the application (Article 55). In order for such a permit to be granted, the plant must be such that the heat generated during the process is recovered as far as practicable through the generation of heat, steam or power. In addition, the residues produced must be minimised in their amount and harmfulness, and recycled where appropriate (Article 44).
The permit must include, inter alia, all types of waste which may be treated in the plant, with information on the quantity, the limit values for emissions into air and water and, should this apply, a list of the quantity of the different categories of hazardous waste which may be treated and their maximum content of various hazardous substances (Article 45).
The operator of such a plant must collect, and have at its disposal, information and documentation pertaining to such waste and verify, by taking representative samples, their conformity with the requirements of the permit and the ability of the plant to perform the treatment contemplated (Article 52). Waste incineration operations are the subject of technical specifications, notably emission limit values and the duty to discharge residual gases in a controlled way by the means of a stack, the height of which is calculated in such a way as to safeguard human health and the environment. Discharges of waste water into the aquatic environment are to be limited “as far as practicable” and in compliance with emission limit values (Article 46). Residues, i.e., solid waste which is generated by the plant (Article 43), shall be minimised in their amount and harmfulness, and recycled (Article 43).