GC: n
CT: Landfills are classified according to whether they can accept hazardous, non-hazardous or inert waste. This classification is integral to each landfill’s PPC permit/waste management licence.
Therefore, in order to prevent the co-disposal of waste (banned since July 2004) and to comply with the waste licence as issued by the Environment Agency, it is important that the waste is classified correctly.
S: http://www.hills-waste.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Inertwaste2pp_full.pdf (last access: 3.02.2015)
N: 1. inert (adj): 1640s, from French inerte (16c.) or directly from Latin inertem (nominative iners) “unskilled, inactive, helpless, sluggish, worthless,” from in- “without” + ars (genitive artis) “skill” (see art (n.)). Originally of matter; specifically of gases from 1885. Of persons or creatures, from 1774.
waste (n): c.1200, “desolate regions,” from Anglo-French and Old North French wast “waste, damage, destruction; wasteland, moor” (Old French gast), from Latin vastum, neuter of vastus “waste” (see waste (v.)).
Replaced or merged with Old English westen, woesten “a desert, wilderness,” from the Latin word. Meanings “consumption, depletion,” also “useless expenditure” are from c.1300; sense of “refuse matter” is attested from c.1400. Waste basket first recorded 1850.
2. Refuge, reject, or residue material that does not undergo biological, chemical, physical, or radiological transformation. Inert waste includes building (demolition) waste, gravel, sand, and stone but not any biodegradable, hazardous, or green (botanical) material.
3. The Landfill Directive sets the definition of inert waste:
“Waste is considered inert if:
- It does not undergo any significant physical, chemical or biological transformations;
- It does not dissolve, burn or otherwise physically or chemically react, biodegrade or adversely affect other matter with which it comes into contact in a way likely to give rise to environmental pollution or harm to human health;
- Its total leachability and pollutant content and the ecotoxicity of its leachate are insignificant and, in particular, do not endanger the quality of any surface water or groundwater.”
S: 1. OED – http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?allowed_in_frame=0&search=waste&searchmode=none (3 March 2015). 2. http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/inert-waste.html (last access: 2 March 2015). 3. http://aggregain.wrap.org.uk/terminology/inert_waste.html (last access: 2 March 2015).
SYN:
S:
CR: hazardous waste, waste.
