Today every step of the waste management chain is strictly regulated. Businesses should remember that they have a responsibility to ensure that waste sent off-site is managed in a responsible manner. Working correctly with your waste contractor can ensure this objective. This is a non-exhaustive list of best practice when working with your waste contractor. This guide does not purport to be a legal interpretation of current legislation. It is up to each individual company to keep abreast of the environmental legislation in its own area.
Do’s
Determine the source, nature and quantity of waste generated i.e. is it recyclable or non-recyclable? Is it non-hazardous or hazardous waste?
- Ensure that containers are suitable for the waste in question e.g. hazardous waste is generally stored in U.N approved containers
- Ensure that waste containers are adequately labelled and old labels are removed
- Ensure that all waste containers are stored properly and securely
- An accurate description of a waste allows it to be handled, transported, stored and recovered/disposed responsibly
- Notify the contractor if there is any changes in the waste’s composition
- A waste contractor may reject a waste consignment if it is not described adequately
Determine the appropriate management route based on the nature and volume of the waste generated i.e. a specialist waste contractor is required to deal with hazardous waste.
Examine the credentials of prospective waste contractor(s) and their facilities/services. Verify this information and the waste contractor’s compliance history with the EPA or relevant local authorities.
- Ensure that the waste haulage contractor who collects the waste holds a valid waste collection permit in accordance with the Waste Management (Collection Permit) Regulations 2001
- Ensure your waste is collected and delivered to an appropriately licensed/permitted facility. Under the Waste Management Acts 1996-2003 all waste management facilities must be either licensed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or permitted by the relevant local authority
- Ensure the contractor’s facility has sufficient capacity to accept and deal with your waste stream in the correct manner
- Ensure that the facility’s license authorises it to accept the particular type of waste involved
Liase with your contractor on designing a waste storage area on-site. Talk to your contractor about maximising the use of your waste management equipment on-site e.g. bins and balers.
Segregate your waste streams correctly on-site
- Train staff to store and handle waste streams correctly on-site. Develop a written procedure if necessary
- Do not put wet waste in with packaging waste
- A waste contractor cannot accept packaging waste for disposal unless the producer declares compliance with Article 5 of the Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations 2003
- Do not place hazardous waste in your general bins
- Ensure that hazardous waste is not mixed with other categories of hazardous waste or with non-hazardous waste unless approved by the EPA or local authorities beforehand
- Do not put liquid slops or cooking oil into compactors. This mistake can lead to a discharge, during uplift or transport, causing slippage hazards
Provide information to the waste contractor on the safe working procedures in force on-site and any temporary hazards associated with the collection and handling of the waste.
Provide the contractor with a safe means of access to and egress from your on-site waste storage area at agreed times.
Obtain documentary proof of waste transfer, receipt and final recovery or disposal by the waste contractor(s) involved
- Movement of hazardous waste within the state must be accompanied by a consignment note (C1 form) in accordance with the Waste Management (Movement of Hazardous Waste) Regulations 1998
- Waste transferred out of the State must comply with the requirements of the Transfrontier Shipment (TFS) regulation
- Keep detailed records of all hazardous waste shipments for a minimum of three years. These records should include TFS and C1 documentation
Don’t
- Do not transfer waste to hauliers who do not have a valid waste collection permit
- Do not move hazardous waste within the State without a consignment note (C1 form)
- Do not use unlicensed facilities for waste disposal/recovery. It is illegal.
What next?
When sourcing and appointing a waste contractor, ensure that they recycle your waste and have the relevant permits and licences to allow them to collect and recycle it. Your local authority is a good source of information on contractors who are permitted to collect waste in your area.
You can also contact Repak, the Golden Pages, Ireland Recycling and Envirocentre for further information.
