Waste & Hazardous Waste Management
At Rubo, we offer a comprehensive waste disposal solution that encompasses assessment, collection, and final disposal. Our dedicated and approachable team is committed to streamlining your waste management process, reflecting our core values of exceptional customer service, dependable waste collections, and environmentally conscious waste management practices.
Distinguishing Between Waste and Hazardous Waste
Understanding the distinction between hazardous waste and non-hazardous waste is essential, and we're here to provide guidance. On this page, we outline the key differences to help you manage your waste effectively.
Put Your Trust in Rubo for Hazardous Waste Management
When it comes to hazardous waste, Rubo stands as your dependable partner. Our services cover the entire spectrum of waste disposal, making us your all-encompassing solution.
Defining Waste
In accordance with EU law (Directive 2008/98/EC), waste refers to any material that a producer or holder intends or is required to discard. This encompasses various waste management activities, including recovery, recycling, and disposal. Let's explore some scenarios that classify materials as waste:
The material becomes waste when:
It's mixed with other waste materials, resulting in the entire mixture becoming waste.
It's deliberately abandoned or dumped in violation of regulations.
It's discarded unintentionally or involuntarily.
It's legally mandated to be discarded.
Material is likely to be waste if:
It's leftover, unwanted, or poses a burden to the producer or holder.
It can no longer serve its original purpose, has expired, or is damaged.
The material might be waste if:
It's a production residue not intentionally produced.
It possesses a low or negative economic value, making it a burden to the producer or holder, even if it holds positive economic value.
It's hazardous, potentially polluting, or contaminated due to improper handling.
In essence, the material becomes waste once the decision to discard it is made. At that point, all relevant laws and regulations governing waste apply. Once an item is classified as waste, the process of declaring it as no longer waste is intricate and adheres to the EU's end-of-waste regulations.
Understanding Hazardous Waste
Hazardous waste, succinctly put, poses a higher environmental and health risk compared to non-hazardous waste. Examples of hazardous waste include asbestos, chemicals, batteries, solvents, pesticides, oils, equipment containing ozone-depleting substances, and hazardous waste containers.
Due to the heightened risks associated with hazardous waste, stricter controls are in place for storage, movement, and disposal. All hazardous waste undergoes full characterization using the Environment Agency's Technical Guidance WM3.
Hazards are classified under specific properties:
Explosive (HP1)
Oxidizing (HP2)
Flammable (HP3)
Irritant (HP4)
Specific Target Organ Toxicity/Aspiration Toxicity (HP5)
Acute Toxicity (HP6)
Carcinogenic (HP7)
Corrosive (HP8)
Infectious (HP9)
Toxic for Reproduction (HP10)
Mutagenic (HP11)
Produces toxic gases in contact with water, air, or acid (HP12)
Sensitising (HP13)
Ecotoxic (HP14)
Capable of exhibiting a hazardous property not directly displayed by the original waste (HP15)
WM3 mandates specific assessments for assigning Hazard Property codes (HP1 to 15) and Persistent Organic Pollutant (PoP) status to hazardous waste.
Transporting hazardous waste necessitates a completed Hazardous Waste Consignment Note (contingent on the hazard property assessment), a registered waste carrier, and an authorized disposal facility.
Your Partner in Ensuring Compliance
Hazardous waste management presents unique challenges within the waste industry, requiring stringent adherence to legislation to ensure compliance.
For guidance and assistance with your hazardous waste disposal, please don't hesitate to contact us. Your compliance and responsible waste management are our top priorities.
