PCB disposal

In the Netherlands, if you want to dispose of equipment containing PCBs (polychlorobiphenyls) in a commercial capacity, you must do so in a safe manner. You are also obliged to keep a register.

What are PCBs?

PCBs are harmful substances that in the past were widely used in, for example, transformers, capacitors, certain types of oil and plastic, building materials, and pesticides.

Since 1985, it is forbidden to make, use, or import devices containing PCBs because they are harmful to the environment and human and animal health. Older devices containing more than 0.0005% PCBs must be destroyed or the PCBs have to be removed by the end of 2025 at the latest.

Register for PCB disposal

Do you have a business in disposing of devices containing PCBs? You must keep a register that can be accessed by the competent authority. In this register, you record per device:

• the quantity, origin, and nature of the PCBs removed
• the origin and nature of the equipment that contained the removed PCBs

This register must be available to the competent authority at any time.

If your business collects PCBs, you must have a waste collection permit (Bia permit, in Dutch) from the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport, ILT). You must also submit a notification (in Dutch).

Competent authorities for PCBs

Competent authorities for PCBs are:

• the ILT (in Dutch)
• provinces
• municipalities