The Environmental Protection Act 1992 imposes a duty of care for whom?

The Environmental Protection Act 1992 establishes a duty of care primarily for individuals responsible for controlled waste. This means that any person or organization that produces, stores, transports, or disposes of controlled waste is legally obligated to handle that waste in a way that minimizes harm to the environment and public health.

This duty of care requires proper documentation, appropriate handling, and ensuring that waste is transferred only to authorized persons or facilities that can manage it safely. By assigning this responsibility, the Act encourages individuals and businesses to take responsibility for their waste and to ensure that it is managed in compliance with environmental regulations.

In contrast, while manufacturers of hazardous chemicals, citizens disposing of general waste, and animal grooming establishments may have specific obligations under various environmental regulations, the specific duty of care mandated by the Environmental Protection Act 1992 is directed at individuals responsible for controlled waste. They are the key focus of this legislation because controlled waste poses a higher risk to both health and the environment, warranting stricter controls and accountability.