Legislation and Technical Aspects of Regulations on Waste Containing Mercury in Europe and Germany

This presentation outlines the legislative framework and technical considerations governing the storage and disposal of waste containing metallic mercury in Europe and Germany. It describes the adoption of Regulation (European Community) No 1102/2008, which bans exports of metallic mercury and requires its safe storage to prevent surplus mercury from re-entering the global market. The document explains that mercury from industrial processes is classified as hazardous waste and must be stored in permitted facilities such as salt mines, deep underground rock formations, or temporary above-ground installations. It also reviews European landfill legislation and criteria for hazardous waste acceptance, including requirements for site-specific safety assessments, geological and technical barriers, and long-term monitoring to ensure the isolation of mercury from the biosphere and the prevention of environmental contamination.