This Directive lays down general principles and rules which aim at the prevention and progressive reduction, with a view to its elimination, of pollution caused by waste from the titanium dioxide industry. Member States shall endeavour to ensure that waste is disposed of without endangering human health and without harming the environment, and in particular: (i) without risk to water, air, soil, plants and animals, and (ii) without deleteriously affecting the countryside. Article 4 prohibits the discharge, dumping, storage, tipping and injection of waste unless prior authorization is issued by the competent authority of the Member State in which the waste has been produced. Authorization may be granted for a limited period only, and it may be renewed. Annex I specifies the particulars which must be supplied in order to obtain the prior authorization. Annex II concerns surveillance and monitoring of disposal.