Businesses that hold hazardous waste before it is collected have legal duties while it is on their premises. GOV.UK guidance on how to dispose of hazardous waste and the waste duty of care sets out the general requirements. This article summarises what that guidance says about storing hazardous waste on site. It does not give handling or packaging instructions for any specific substance.
What does UK guidance say about storing hazardous waste on site?
GOV.UK states that businesses must store waste safely and securely, prevent it from escaping and keep it in suitable containers. Under the duty of care, waste must be stored in a way that stops it causing harm to people or the environment.
Keeping waste streams separate
GOV.UK guidance on hazardous waste states that hazardous waste must not be mixed with other categories of hazardous waste, or with non hazardous waste, unless this is allowed by an environmental permit. Keeping streams separate also means each waste can be described accurately on its consignment note.
Substance specific information
Information on storing, handling and responding to spills or exposure for a particular product is found in section 7 and related sections of its SDS (Safety Data Sheet). In an emergency, contact the emergency services.
Records and classification
The Environment Agency's Technical Guidance WM3 explains how each waste is assessed and given an EWC (European Waste Catalogue) code. Knowing the code and holding the SDS for each waste stream makes it easier for a collection to be arranged. Our guide to what hazardous waste is explains classification in more detail.
What we need before a collection
Before we can quote for or collect hazardous waste, we require:
- a copy of the SDS for each product or substance
- an assigned EWC code for each waste stream
- a description of the waste, its containers and the approximate quantity
We cannot collect or accept unknown waste. If a container on site has not been identified, speak to our team with any information available, such as its source, original labels or an SDS. If further identification is required, and only if agreed, we can arrange a testing and analysis service. Once the waste is classified, a collection can be arranged.
Speak to our team
For services such as COSHH waste disposal, paint disposal or chemical waste disposal, contact the Hazardous Disposal team with your SDS and EWC codes to hand.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute professional, legal or chemical advice. Waste producers are legally responsible for correctly classifying their waste. For guidance on your specific waste, please contact our team.