Proper management of hazardous waste is critical not only for the environment but also for the safety and health of individuals, communities, and businesses. Hazardous waste disposal involves managing household hazardous waste, industrial waste, liquid waste, and contaminated soils, to name a few, in a safe and responsible manner.
Whether you are a small business or a large corporation, understanding how to manage hazardous waste safely is vital to comply with these laws and minimise environmental impact.
At Cleanway, we specialise in waste management solutions, and our goal is to help Australian businesses navigate the complexities of hazardous waste management while ensuring safety and compliance. This blog addresses the essential steps to safely manage hazardous waste.
What Is Hazardous Waste?
Hazardous waste refers to any waste that poses a significant risk to human health or the environment due to its chemical, physical, or biological properties. These types of waste can be found in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, construction, healthcare, and agriculture. Examples of hazardous waste include:
- Chemical solvents
- Pesticides
- Heavy metals (such as lead, mercury, and cadmium)
- Asbestos
- Batteries and electronic waste
- Oil and grease
- Paints and cleaning agents
- Medical waste (such as sharps or contaminated materials)
The Australian government classifies hazardous waste into different categories based on its characteristics. The most common types include:
- Corrosive waste – Can cause severe damage to living tissue or materials.
- Flammable waste – Easily ignitable and can catch fire with minimal heat.
- Toxic waste – Can cause harm to human health or the environment if exposed.
- Reactive waste – Instantly dangerous when exposed to air or water.
Step 1: Identify Hazardous Waste
The first step in managing hazardous waste safely is identifying what qualifies as hazardous. Often, businesses generate a wide variety of waste, but not all of it will be classified as hazardous. To determine whether the waste you handle is hazardous, you need to consider its composition and potential risks.
How to Identify Hazardous Waste:
- Consult with Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) – Every chemical substance comes with an MSDS that outlines potential hazards, handling instructions, and disposal guidelines.
- Assess waste characteristics – Identify the key characteristics of your waste, such as flammability, corrosiveness, reactivity, and toxicity.
- Get expert advice – If you’re unsure about the classification of waste, consult with waste management professionals like Cleanway to help identify and assess the risks of your waste.
Why It’s Important:
Identifying hazardous waste is crucial because mishandling can lead to harmful environmental consequences, legal penalties, and serious health risks. Accurately classifying your waste ensures that it’s handled, stored, and disposed of according to the strict guidelines set by Australian regulations.
Step 2: Segregate and Store Hazardous Waste Properly
Once you’ve identified hazardous waste, the next step is segregation and proper storage. Proper segregation is essential to prevent chemical reactions, cross-contamination, and the potential for dangerous incidents.
Segregating Hazardous Waste:
- Store similar wastes together – Segregate hazardous waste based on type. For example, keep flammable materials separate from corrosive ones to prevent hazardous reactions.
- Label and colour-code – Clearly label containers with the contents, hazard symbols, and handling instructions. Use colour-coded bins for easy identification and compliance with safety standards.
- Use sealed, durable containers – Choose containers made from materials that can safely contain hazardous substances (such as corrosion-resistant metal or heavy-duty plastic). Ensure containers are tightly sealed to prevent leaks or spills.
- Avoid overfilling containers – Do not overfill hazardous waste containers. Leave space at the top to allow for expansion and prevent spillage.
Storage Best Practices:
- Store in a designated area – Hazardous waste should be stored in a dedicated, well-ventilated area with secondary containment (e.g., bunded pallets or spill containment systems).
- Control access – Only authorised personnel should have access to hazardous waste storage areas.
- Maintain safety equipment – Ensure spill kits, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and other safety equipment are available and accessible.
Why It’s Important:
Proper segregation and storage of hazardous waste are critical to avoid accidents and ensure compliance with Australian laws. Improper storage can lead to contamination of the surrounding environment, chemical reactions, and even fires or explosions.
Step 3: Transport Hazardous Waste Safely
Transporting hazardous waste requires careful planning and adherence to safety protocols. Australian regulations governing the transport of hazardous waste are stringent, and failing to comply can result in significant fines and penalties.
Transporting Hazardous Waste:
- Engage licensed transporters – Only engage transport companies that are licensed to handle hazardous waste. They should be knowledgeable about the appropriate safety measures and legal requirements.
- Use appropriate vehicles – Vehicles used for transporting hazardous waste must be equipped with the necessary containment and safety features (e.g., spill containment systems, proper signage, and secure loading areas).
- Label and document – All hazardous waste must be labelled clearly with the correct hazard symbols, and transport documentation should include detailed information about the type and quantity of the waste, its source, and the destination.
- Track waste movements – Keep accurate records of all hazardous waste shipments. In Australia, the transport of hazardous waste is governed by the National Environment Protection (Movement of Controlled Waste) Measure (NEPM), which requires proper tracking of waste from generation to disposal.
Why It’s Important:
Transporting hazardous waste safely ensures that it doesn’t pose a risk to public health, the environment, or the people handling it. Incorrect handling during transportation can result in accidents, spills, or exposure to harmful substances.
Step 4: Dispose of Hazardous Waste Responsibly
Disposal of hazardous waste must be done by professionals and in accordance with Australian laws and regulations. Many hazardous wastes are either recycled, treated, or disposed of in specialised facilities that are equipped to handle dangerous materials.
Disposal Methods for Hazardous Waste:
- Recycling – Certain hazardous wastes, such as used batteries, e-waste, and some chemicals, can be recycled in a controlled manner to recover valuable materials.
- Treatment – Some types of hazardous waste can be treated to neutralise or detoxify harmful components. For example, chemical waste can be treated to break down toxic substances into less harmful ones.
- Landfill disposal – In some cases, hazardous waste may need to be disposed of in a licensed hazardous waste landfill. These landfills are specially designed to contain hazardous materials without contaminating the surrounding environment.
- Incineration – For certain types of hazardous waste, such as medical waste or some chemicals, incineration may be the most effective disposal method.
Why It’s Important:
Improper disposal of hazardous waste can result in contamination of soil, water, and air, as well as harm to wildlife and human health. By working with licensed waste management companies like Cleanway, you ensure that hazardous waste is disposed of responsibly and in full compliance with regulations.
Conclusion
Hazardous waste management is an essential aspect of maintaining a safe and healthy workplace and environment. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, businesses can manage hazardous waste effectively, reducing the risk to human health and the environment while ensuring compliance with Australian regulations.
At Cleanway, we offer comprehensive hazardous waste management services designed to meet the specific needs of Australian businesses. From identification and segregation to transportation and disposal, we help businesses safely manage their hazardous waste at every step. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your business stay safe, compliant, and environmentally responsible.