Are you doing everything you need to do for the safe and environmentally conscious disposal of your business waste? Companies know that they need to use a waste management service for the disposal of their controlled waste, but sometimes the small details can be overlooked. For example, how do you properly separate and store waste prior to its collection and disposal? Are there procedures that need to be followed? Take a look at the following information to check that your business’s waste disposal practices are up to date and effective.
- Separating Waste Materials
A business should separate its controlled waste – any waste it generates – into different types for example paper and cardboard, metal, plastic, food waste etc. The separated waste should be stored in separate containers designed to keep the waste free from contamination, and where it cannot contaminate the local environment. The labelled containers or bins should be kept safe prior to disposal and collection by the waste services company.
- Checking for Hazardous or Special Waste
You also need to check if your business produces any type of hazardous waste or special waste. Hazardous waste is not suitable for recycling since it poses a risk to human and environmental health, and there are many controls in place regarding how you need to store and transport this type of waste.
- Storing and Transporting Hazardous Waste
Hazardous waste requires careful handling to prevent polluting the environment when it is stored and when it is transported. Steps must be taken to prevent leaks from containers and the tanks in which liquid waste is stored, and waste must not be allowed to escape during transit. There are also dangers of leaks coming from machinery in use, which should be prevented. If a business stores materials that will be recycled and these materials then contaminate the environment it could be liable for paying the clean-up costs associated with the pollution.
Make sure that containers are labelled when they contain hazardous waste and that they are stored in a place where a leak could be contained, and where they do not risk contamination of the surface water drainage.
- Storing Plastics
Plastics that can be recycled should be separated according to their type and their grade. Your waste disposal company will advise you how to separate plastics and whether certain types of plastic are acceptable. Waste materials can be compacted if you have large amounts. In all cases, practical storage and transport matters will be handled individually by your waste management company.
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