Proper management of hazardous waste is critical not only for the environment but also for the safety Hazardous waste is as harmful and potentially dangerous as the name suggests. Safe and proper handling is a necessary way to prevent harm. It is also the agreed upon industry standard to be followed.
That being said, it is important for anyone to know how to safely manage any waste types, and hazardous waste, despite the dangers, is no exception. Safe storage, handling, and disposal can save lives and protect the environment.
This blog provides a brief overview of how to manage hazardous waste in a safe way. The methods are derived from industry best practices that seek to ensure that minimal harm or damage is caused along the way.
Understanding Hazardous Waste
Various kinds of waste are related to diverse activities like manufacturing, building and construction, healthcare, and agriculture. Hazardous wastes, for example, include:
- Batteries and e-waste
- Paints and cleaning solvents
- Heavy metals like Cadmium, Mercury, and Lead
- Asbestos
- Pesticides
- Oils and Grease
- Medical Waste such as sharp or other contaminated materials
The Hazardous Waste Management in Australia also classifies this type of waste into different categories according to the nature of the waste. The most common expected types are the following:
- Corrosive waste – A waste type that can severely damage living tissue or any material.
- Flammable waste – A type of waste that catches fire easily if it comes in touch with minimal heat.
- Toxic waste – A waste type likely to affect human health or the environment negatively.
- Reactive waste – A type likely to pose great danger when it comes in contact with water or air.
Step 1: Determine what classifies as a hazardous waste.
When considering what type of waste you handle, examine its material and potential risks. In order to manage hazardous waste appropriately, you must understand the parameters of hazardous waste.
How to Determine Hazardous Waste:
- Evaluate waste metrics: Determine all properties of your waste such as possibility to ignite a flame, ability of material to corrode, reactivity, and level of toxicity.
- Seek out rules and classification standards: In Australia, refer to the National Environment Protection (Movement of Controlled Waste) Measure 1998 (NEPM) which outlines specific categorizations of waste that is deemed hazardous.
- Do not hesitate to speak with professionals: If you are unsure about your waste management, approach professionals such as Cleanway. They will be able to assist you in trying to classify and analyse the possible factors of risks attached to your waste.
Why It Matters:
Recognising hazardous waste is important due to its improper management that can cause adverse effects on the environment, legal issues, and health threats. Classifying waste properly ensures that it is managed, kept, and disposed of in accordance with Australian laws.
Step 2: Segregate Hazardous Waste
Proper waste segregation and storage is the next necessary step when it comes to the safe handling of hazardous waste. This is to help prevent both unwanted contamination and the potential harm of mixing chemicals.
Segregating Hazardous Waste:
There is a good rule in waste management where different waste types are not stored in the same containers. While this is in part due to the differ characteristics of the waste types – solids and liquids famously do not mix – it also has to do with lessening the potential dangers.
Here are Our Suggestions:
- Label and colour-code: Containers should be properly labelled, and hazard symbols should be placed on them. Colour-coded bins should also be used to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
- Use sealed, durable containers: Select containers crafted from heavy-duty plastic or corrosion-resistant metal. They should also be tightly sealed and made from materials that can adequately contain hazardous substances.
- Avoid overfilling containers: Hazardous waste containers should not be filled to the brim. To prevent spills, nets should be placed atop the container.
- Storage Best Practices: Hazardous waste should be stored in appropriate well-ventilated places for high-risk items where there is secondary containment.
- Control access: Only trained individuals should be allowed to access locations where hazardous waste is stored.
- Maintain safety equipment: Ensure that safety tools such as fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and spill kits are stored in accessible areas. Do not forget to provide kits to those who may need them.
Why It’s Important:
Waste separation and segregation ensures not only that safe ways of managing dangerous substances are followed, but it also ensure that the given regulations that stipulate waste handling are obeyed.
Step 3: Transporting Hazardous Waste
Transporting clinical waste involves higher risk hence requires strict adherence to safety measures. Failure to adhere to these regulations can lead to hefty fines or loss of property.
Transporting clinical waste:
- Ensure one employs a registered transporter:Only hire a waste management company that has the licence for hazardous waste handling and transport. They must understand the usage of safety equipment and legal instructions.
- Vehicle specification: Vehicles used to transport hazardous waste must be constructed with environmental safeguards such as containment systems, safety signage, and designated loading zones.
- Labelling and documentation: All hazardous waste must be clearly labelled with the appropriate symbol along with the transport documents containing the detailed amount, type, source, and other crucial information.
- Track waste movements: keep accurate records of all shipments of hazardous materials. The NEPM regulations in Australia control the transport of dangerous waste that requires tracking waste from its generation to disposal.
Why It is Important:
Managing the movement of hazardous waste helps ensure that public health, the environment, and even workers are safe from danger. Failure to manage the movement can result in accidents, spills, or exposure to dangerous materials.
Step 4: Dispose of Hazardous Waste Responsibly
The disposal of hazardous waste must be done according to the regulations professional Australian disposal companies have set in place. Many of these materials are either treated, specially recycled, or dumped in facilities built to handle hazardous materials.
Methods of Disposal for Hazardous Waste:
- Recycling: Certain hazardous wastes like batteries and electronic wastes or even some chemicals can be recycled to reclaim valuable resources, which is called controlled recycling.
- Treatment: Certain types of wastes can be treated, neutralising the components harmful for health, for instance, chemical wastes can be treated by breaking down a toxic substance into less harmful substances. In many cases, some sorts of hazardous waste are deposited straight into landfills built specifically for hazardous waste. The intention of these landfills is to fit the waste in, keeping it from releasing pollutants into the surrounding areas.
- Burning: For certain groups of wastes, incineration is the best method of disposal. These wastes include medical waste and some chemicals.
Why It’s Important:
Failure to manage hazardous waste appropriately is likely to result in pollution and endanger people or animals that come near to it. Engaging licensed waste management companies like Cleanway means that you will dispose of hazardous waste properly and in accordance with the law.
Conclusion
Businesses can effectively manage hazardous waste according to the guidelines provided in this article which in return promotes a safer environment for people while at the same time fulfilling the Australian requirements.
Our Australian business’s hazardous waste management service is extensive and we cater to our clients with varying business needs.
We provide support to businesses at every stage of hazardous waste management starting from identification, collection, transportation, and finally, disposal. To find out more on how your organisation can enhance its safety, regulatory compliance, and environmental protection with our assistance, do get in touch with us today.