Control of Waste

Hazardous waste A waste is any solid, liquid or contained gaseous material that you no longer use. Such wastes may have the potential to (1) cause injury or death; or (2) damage or pollute land, air, or water.

Four characteristics of hazardous waste If the waste possesses one or more of the following characteristics: Ignitable – it is easily combustible or flammable, such as paint wastes, degreasers, other solvents

Four characteristics of hazardous waste Corrosive – it dissolves metals, other materials, or burns the skin, such as waste rust removers, waste acid or alkaline cleaning fluids or waste battery acids.

Four characteristics of hazardous waste Reactive – it is unstable, undergoes rapid or violent reaction with water or other materials, such as cyanide plating wastes, waste bleaches, and other waste oxidizers.

Four characteristics of hazardous waste EP (Extraction procedure) Toxic – Wastes are EP Toxic if a sample of the waste is tested and found to contain high concentrations of heavy metals, such as mercury, cadmium, or lead, which could result be released into groundwater.

The benefits of minimizing waste include: reducing demand for landfill space, saving resources and energy, reducing pollution, and increasing the efficiency of production.

4R`s Waste management technique A number of waste prevention techniques are available, and they are commonly summarized as the so-called 4Rs: reduction, reuse, recycling and recovery.

Wherever possible, waste reduction is the preferable option. Reduce the amount of paper you use by double-sided photocopying, printing and using electronic communication Choose products for which refills are available Improve your process control to avoid rejected products

If waste is produced, every effort should be made to reuse it if practicable. Reuse packaging materials (eg boxes, plastic bags) Ask suppliers to take back packaging materials for reuse Reuse equipment parts and fixtures and repair furniture to reduce waste

Recycling is the third option in the waste management hierarchy. Although recycling does help to conserve resources and reduce wastes, it is important to remember that there are economic and environmental costs associated with waste collection and recycling. For this reason, recycling should only be considered for waste which cannot be reduced or reused. Set up a recycling scheme in the office for scrap paper, toner cartridges, plastic bottles, aluminium cans, etc. Donate old computers, electronic appliances, and furniture to charities Separate scrap metal, wood and plastic from industrial waste for recycling

Finally, it may be possible to recover materials or energy from waste which cannot be reduced, reused or recycled. Replace paper towels with hand-dryers or cloth towels Choose environmentally friendly alternatives if available, such as biodegradable cleaners and garbage bags, also use less toxic chemicals Rent instead of buying equipment like copiers and computers to minimize unnecessary waste when systems need to be upgraded