CITB Managers Environmental and Waste Management

Question 1

Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, what is the 'duty of care' regarding waste management on a construction site?

Accepted Answer

All persons involved in producing, storing, transporting or disposing of waste must ensure it is managed properly and does not cause environmental harm

Answer

Section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 places a duty of care on anyone who imports, produces, carries, keeps, treats or disposes of controlled waste. They must take all reasonable steps to ensure waste is managed lawfully, is only transferred to authorised persons, and is accompanied by adequate documentation.

Question 2

What document must accompany non-hazardous waste when it is transferred from a construction site to a waste carrier?

Accepted Answer

A waste transfer note

Answer

A waste transfer note must accompany non-hazardous controlled waste when it is transferred between parties. It must describe the waste, state the quantity, identify the transferor and transferee, and include details of their waste carrier registration or exemption. These records must be kept for 2 years.

Question 3

Under the Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005, what special documentation is required when hazardous waste leaves a construction site?

Accepted Answer

A hazardous waste consignment note

Answer

Hazardous waste must be accompanied by a hazardous waste consignment note when it is moved from the site. This provides a detailed audit trail including the waste code (EWC/LoW code), the quantity, the process producing it, and the destination. Consignment notes must be retained for 3 years.

Question 4

A construction project generates contaminated soil during excavation. Under the waste hierarchy, what should the manager consider first?

Accepted Answer

Explore whether the soil can be treated and reused on site or on another development

Answer

The waste hierarchy (from the Waste Framework Directive, implemented through the Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011) prioritises: prevention, preparation for reuse, recycling, other recovery, and disposal as the last resort. Treating contaminated soil for reuse is preferred over landfill disposal where technically and economically viable.

Question 5

What is the correct order of the waste hierarchy as established by the Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011?

Accepted Answer

Prevent, prepare for reuse, recycle, other recovery, disposal

Answer

The waste hierarchy, in descending order of preference, is: (1) Prevention, (2) Preparing for reuse, (3) Recycling, (4) Other recovery (e.g., energy recovery), (5) Disposal. This hierarchy must be applied by all businesses producing waste, including construction sites.

CITB HS&E Managers Practice Test

CITB HS&E Managers Practice Test

CITB Managers Environmental and Waste Management