The approach in environmental law is to ensure that the disposal, by combustion or otherwise, of waste materials is managed in such a manner as to minimise or eliminate any negative effects on health and on the environment locally, regionally and globally. The Waste Management Act 1996 places a general duty on the holder of waste not to hold, transport, recover or dispose of waste in a manner that causes or is likely to cause environmental pollution. Local authorities have specific powers under the Act to require measures to be taken to prevent or limit environmental pollution caused by the holding or disposal of waste, and mitigate or remedy the effects on the environment of any such activity.
Under the Air Pollution Act 1987, the occupier of any premises other than a private dwelling is required to use the best practicable means to limit and, if possible, to prevent an emission of a pollutant to the atmosphere from such premises. In addition, the occupier of any premises is prohibited from causing or permitting an emission in such a quantity or manner as to be a nuisance. Local authorities have powers under the Act to serve a notice on the occupier of any premises from which there is an emission specifying the measures necessary to prevent or limit air pollution. The issue of preventing wood worm and other wood attacking insects in dead and old timber from causing damage to houses in the vicinity of woodlands may be one of best practice in forestry management, and this would be a matter to be addressed by the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources or one of the agencies under his aegis.