It is vital to follow the correct procedures when packaging, managing and disposing of hazardous waste, not only to protect your employees, local residents, and the environment from harm, but also to remain compliant with regulations and avoid fines. Used and empty drums which are stored in the workplace may pose a threat to your employees and the environment, which you can read more about here.
This guide outlines three crucial elements of successful hazardous waste management, namely containers, labelling and final packaging. The Enva Hazardous Waste team have also produced a printable infographic for organisations who package hazardous materials regularly.
Hazardous Waste Containers
There are various containers available for storing different types of hazardous waste, and it’s essential to use the correct container for each type. The correct container must be used for each hazardous waste, and where applicable must be UN approved. They should also be kept clean and dry, free from dents, corrosion or residues, and they should always be stored upright. Drums or boxes containing smaller liquid packages should be packed with an absorbent filling (e.g. Vermiculite), to absorb any leakage. Before choosing a container, always make sure the waste chemicals are compatible and won’t react with each other causing corrosion, fire or explosion. See below for a list of the different containers available and types of hazardous waste they are suited to, as well as some additional safety conditions to observe.
Plastic Tight Head Drum
Materials: Corrosive Liquid Sludge, Flammable Liquid Sludge and Toxic or Harmful Liquids
Plastic drums must not be older than 5 years
Always leave sufficient free space to allow for liquid expansion
Drums must not be modified in any way, e.g. with valves or taps added
Plastic Open Top Drum
Materials: Corrosive Solids, Flammable Solids and Toxic or Harmful Solids
Liquids should never be stored in open top drums
Plastic drums must not be older than 5 years
Leave sufficient free space to prevent overfilling
Ensure all clamps are tightly closed
Drums must not be modified in any way, e.g. with valves or taps added
Metal Open Top Drum
Materials: Flammable Solids and Toxic or Harmful Solids
Leave sufficient free space to prevent overfilling
Ensure all clamps are tightly closed
Drums must not be modified in any way, e.g. with valves or taps added
Adhere to the max permissible weight as per design – but be aware of substance density, e.g. a thousand litres of sulphuric acid can weigh up to 1,800kg
Do not fill past the indicated fill mark – leave sufficient space to allow for liquid expansion
Ensure tap and all caps are tightly closed and ‘O’ rings are in place
IBCs require labels on two opposite sides
UN-approved Box for Solid & Packaged Liquid Waste
Materials: Flammable and Toxic or Harmful Dry Solids
Stack containers upright within the lined box
Liner must be in place
Adhere to the Max permissible weight as per design Pallet and box must have a similar footprint
Pallet box requires labels on two opposite sides
Hazardous Waste Labelling and Signage
The European Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulation (CLP) has been in force since 1 June 2015, which required many hazardous waste chemicals to be assessed against a new set of criteria. While these updated obligations were similar to the previous EU legislation, many products needed to be re-labelled to comply with CLP, including consumer goods like paints and detergents, in addition to industrial mixtures.
Labels should always detail the specific class of waste, and include any sub-risks, as well as all relevant CLP symbols and pictograms, so the nature and severity of the hazard is immediately apparent.
Hazardous Waste Packaging
The utmost care must be taken when packing hazardous waste. Containers must never be overfilled, as the volume of waste materials could fluctuate and cause leakage. All clamps, caps, lids and clasps must be securely fastened at all times; and any taps need to be both closed and covered. Broken pallets should never be used to transport hazardous waste; and all packages should be firmly shrink-wrapped onto the pallets, without protruding over the edges, so they don’t move in transit.
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