Relative sustainability in waste water management: disposal options for “domestic sanitary waste”

This article will address a number of issues of law and policy. First, each option requires to be analysed in terms of the wider debate on relative sustainability in waste management, in order to determine which is most effective and attainable. Secondly, the solid waste route presents a number of particular problems. The term 'domestic sanitary solids' is not a term of art and its meaning must be compared to relevant statutory definitions. Consequential issues arise in relation to the lawfulness of current methods of disposal, particularly whether special provision is required under rules for the management of clinical waste. Finally, an assessment is made of the effects of new EU legislation, in particular the Landfill Directive, and conclusions are drawn as to the Best Practicable Environmental Options for policymakers and other stakeholders in waste and wastewater management. It should be noted that whilst most waste management legislation is uniform throughout Great Britain, legislation relating to the supply of sewerage services is not. Unless otherwise stated, the applicable law is that of Scotland. However, the analysis will be applicable wherever the WC is used as a disposal route for domestic waste.