Consignment Notes/C1 Forms (C1 forms are not required for movement of non-hazardous wastes)
The Consignment Note/C1 Form allows Offaly County Council to track the transportation of hazardous waste from its source to the waste management facility to be used for disposal or recovery. This ensures that these dangerous materials are managed safely and end up at an appropriate and properly authorised waste facility. Moving hazardous waste contrary to these requirements is an offence.
All carriers of hazardous waste must obtain waste collection permits in the manner set out in the Waste Collection Permit Page.
C1 form
This tracking process is centred on the use of a consignment note, known as a "C1 form".
A consignment note or C1 form is required to authorise the movement of hazardous waste within Ireland. The C1 form is issued by the local authority where the waste originated. The form contains three parts to be completed by the consignor, carrier and consignee. The three-part form constitutes a checklist to trace the waste consignment from source to destination, and to verify that the consignment has been moved and handled at all times in accordance with the Waste Management (Movement of Hazardous Waste) Regulations, 1998.
Exceptions and Exemptions
Although the law requires most movements of hazardous wastes to be subject to C1 forms, there are some exceptions. These are set out in the Waste Management (Movement of Hazardous Waste) Regulations, which have been supplemented by a part of the Waste Management (Collection Permit) Regulations 2001.
The result is that the following exemptions now apply in relation to C1 forms:
• Authorised movements of hazardous wastes, when such materials are to be exported from Ireland to other countries;
• The transfer of waste oil;
• Hazardous waste collected from either bring centres or by segregated collection services provided to members of the public.
A further exception from using a C1 form relates to the movement of end of life vehicles.
Obtaining a C1 form
There is a charge of €10 per C1 form.
The C1 form is obtained from the local authority where the hazardous waste originated. Each form is uniquely numbered. It is made up of five differently coloured identical pages, with each page being sub-divided into three parts (A, B & C). A carboning system ensures that entries made on the uppermost page are reproduced on the other pages.
To request a C1 form, contact Environment Section (057) 9357403.
C1 forms are issued in blocks of 25 or as requested.
Completing a C1 form
The C1 form must be completed in the manner set out in the legislation.
In summary, the waste producer must complete Part A of all five copies of the form before a load of hazardous waste is given to a carrier.
On accepting the consignment, the carrier then completes Part B on the five copies, and this is witnessed by the producer.
The producer keeps a copy of the completed form and the carrier retains the remaining four copies.
The carrier must keep the four copies of the C1 form with the hazardous waste while it is in transit.
When the waste arrives at its destination, the disposer or recoverer - termed the "consignee" in the legislation - verifies if the load is acceptable and then completes Part C on the four copies.
One copy of the form is then given to the carrier and the consignee keeps a copy. The other two copies are sent to the local authority where the waste originated and to the local authority responsible for the consignee.
The Waste Management (Movement of Hazardous Waste) Regulations also set down procedures which apply where a load is transported by the waste producer rather than by a third party waste carrier.
Provision has also been made in the event that the waste is rejected by the consignee as being unsuitable. Each party to a transaction of hazardous waste must retain copies of the C1 form. Waste producers and collectors need to keep copies of the completed forms for at least five years.
As well as keeping records of hazardous waste movements, producers of this type of waste are required by the Waste Management (Movement of Hazardous Waste) Regulations to ensure that they obtain documentary evidence that each consignment has in fact reached its destination. Hence there is a duty on them to make relevant enquiries if nothing has been heard about the shipment. However, usually the waste haulier or consignee will be in contact, confirming that the waste has reached its destination.
This documentary proof also needs to be retained for five years. In all cases, the legislation mandates that any requirementson the labelling of hazardous waste consignments must be followed. Local authorities and the EPA may request to see completed C1 forms to ensure that hazardous waste has been dealt with properly.
The Waste Management (Movement of Hazardous Waste) Regulations also allow a local authority or the EPA to require a producer, carrier or consignee of hazardous waste to contribute to any regulatory costs incurred. This could include paying for site visits and having any waste chemically analysed.
Finally, the Waste Management (Hazardous Waste) Regulations 1998 require that no asbestos fibres or dust is emitted by any person involved in the transportation of asbestos wastes.