Legislative Update – The Withdrawal of RPS 250

As of the 1st September 2023, The Environment Agency (EA) has confirmed that the Regulatory Position Statement (RPS) 250 is to be withdrawn.

The withdrawal of RPS 250 in England means that structural timbers, wooden tiling battens and external joinery from pre-2007 buildings, will automatically be classified as hazardous and can no longer be accepted for recycling and recovery at wood recycling sites.

This means businesses will have to make immediate changes to the way they handle their waste wood, especially those operating in the construction, housebuilding, social housing or demolition industry.

How does this affect me?

If you work with demolition wood waste, you must ensure that you understand the quantities and types of hazardous waste wood arising from demolition and refurbishment activities – and ensure that you are handling any potentially hazardous wood waste correctly.

How do I know if the Waste Wood is hazardous?

Wood Waste Classification Guide

The following flow chart details the initial questions that need to be asked when assessing whether your waste wood should be classed as hazardous or non-hazardous.

By classifying waste wood, you can identify which items are hazardous under WM3 guidance and ensure they are dealt with appropriately.

Wood Grading System

The WRA has produced an official Wood Grading System and guidelines to assist you in determining whether your waste wood is potentially hazardous. It is important for businesses that handle and create wood waste to note that there is no definitive guide to what is or isn’t hazardous.

How Ecofficiency can help you

If you need assistance classifying and removing your waste wood, please get in contact with us on 0800 030 5051 or email Technical@ecofficiency.co.uk