Managing hazardous waste is not just a legal requirement but also a moral obligation for businesses. If you try to save money by using an unregistered waste carrier, your hazardous waste might be fly-tipped – and you will get a massive fine. This blog post aims to guide you on what can I do with my hazardous waste, ensuring compliance with regulations and protecting the environment.
The Importance of Proper Hazardous Waste Management
Over half of UK companies do not fully comply with the duty of care and other related regulations concerning hazardous waste management. Alarmingly, ninety percent of these non-compliant businesses aspire to comply as soon as they become aware of their obligations. Most of these businesses are SMEs that have fewer than 250 staff.
A quarter of non-compliant businesses put all their waste into a single bin, including hazardous materials such as batteries and light bulbs. This practice is not only illegal but also harmful to the environment and public health.
Identifying Hazardous Waste
Before you can manage your hazardous waste properly, you need to identify whether your waste is hazardous or not. Here are some ways to check:
- Description or Symbol: Look for any description or symbol on the goods that indicate they are hazardous.
- Ask the Supplier: Contact the supplier of the goods for information about whether they are classified as hazardous.
- Government Guidance: Check the guidance on the gov.uk website for more detailed information.
If your waste is identified as hazardous, it must be dealt with by a licensed, specialist waste company. Mixing hazardous and non-hazardous waste in the same container is strictly prohibited.
What Can I Do With Managing Hazardous Waste?
Once you’ve identified your hazardous waste, it’s crucial to manage it correctly. Here are some steps you can take:
Use Licensed Waste Carriers
Always use licensed and registered waste carriers for disposing of your hazardous waste. Unregistered carriers might resort to illegal dumping (fly-tipping), which could result in hefty fines for your business.
Segregate Your Waste
Never mix hazardous and non-hazardous wastes. Segregation ensures that each type of waste is treated appropriately according to its specific disposal requirements.
Documentation
Maintain proper documentation for all stages of your hazardous waste management process. This includes records of collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal.
Employee Training
Ensure that all employees handling hazardous materials are adequately trained in identifying and managing such wastes safely.
Managing Non-Hazardous Waste
If your waste is non-hazardous, there are several environmentally friendly options available:
Re-use
Could you sell or donate your unwanted items? Many organisations can benefit from items that you no longer need but are still functional.
Repair
Consider extending the life of equipment by having it repaired instead of disposing it off immediately. This approach not only saves money but also reduces environmental impact.
Recycle
Choose a reputable waste contractor who offers recycling services. Recycling helps conserve natural resources and reduces landfill usage.
Martland’s Waste Management Burscough
Managing both hazardous and non-hazardous wastes responsibly is essential for legal compliance and environmental protection. By following best practices such as using licensed carriers, segregating wastes, maintaining documentation, training employees, reusing items where possible, repairing equipment when feasible, and opting for recycling services – businesses can significantly reduce their environmental footprint while avoiding substantial fines.
Remember: You have a duty of care as a business to manage waste in accordance with the law. Ignorance is no excuse; make sure you’re fully aware of your responsibilities today!
By taking these steps seriously now rather than later – especially if you’re among those ninety percent aspiring towards compliance – you’ll be safeguarding not just legal standing but also contributing positively towards sustainable development goals within our communities at large!
You are responsible for checking that the waste management business you choose deals with your waste lawfully. Don’t ever use an unlicensed waste carrier or you could face a fine if your waste ends up fly tipped. Martland’s Waste Management is a licensed waste carrier servicing the Burscough area with skip hire and waste removal services. Don’t take a risk with waste removal: call us today on one of our local numbers below:-
Wigan Skip Hire 01942 417456
Bamber Bridge Skip Hire 01772 364 399
Skelmersdale Skip Hire 0151 909 6399
Skip Hire Ormskirk 01704 779345
Penwortham Skip Hire 01772 364399
Formby Skip Hire 0151 909 6399
