• What is Hazardous Waste and Why Does it Need to be Disposed of Properly
• How Can You Dispose of Hazardous Waste in Ireland
• Signs That You Might Have a Problem with Hazardous Waste Disposal
• Best Practices of Hazardous Waste Disposal 
• Why should We Care About the Environment and What We Leave behind for Future Generations
• Tips on How to Reduce your Impact on the Environment 

What is Hazardous Waste and Why Does it Need to be Disposed of Properly

Any substance that is hazardous to the environment and/or human health has been designated as hazardous waste. This category of waste can be further divided into six main groups: flammable liquids, corrosive materials, oxidizing agents, toxic substances, radioactive materials and pathological wastes.

Hazardous waste must be disposed of properly in order to mitigate any potential damage to the environment or human health. Improper disposal can lead to groundwater and surface water contamination, air pollution, and even explosions. It is therefore important for businesses that handle hazardous waste to familiarize themselves with best practices for safe and lawful disposal.

Different Types of Hazardous Waste

Flammable liquids are by definition, any liquid that has a flashpoint less than 60 degrees Celsius. These include highly flammable substances like gasoline and alcohol-based products like acetone or paint thinner. Fortunately, there is no need for businesses to worry about large volumes of these types of waste since most service stations in Ireland provide recycling facilities for customers who bring back used oil and/or antifreeze. Businesses can also opt to hire an EPA-licensed contractor specifically for the safe disposal of this type of hazardous waste.

Corrosive materials are defined as having a pH level lower than or equal to two when measured at 20 degrees C (68 degrees F). It’s easy to remember with a simple trick: pick a substance that is commonly found in your home and add “corrosive” before the word. For example, bleach would be corrosive while milk would not. In order to reduce the risk of injury from this type of hazardous waste, businesses can dilute it with water or neutralizing agents such as soda ash or lime slurry.

Oxidizing agents on the other hand are substances that have an oxygen-rich compound including chlorine dioxide and potassium permanganate used for bleaching wood pulp and paper mills). Such materials must be stored in tightly closed containers due to their ability to self-ignite when exposed to air (oxidation reaction) or release gaseous forms of oxygen at room temperature (reduced oxidation).

Toxic substances are defined as any material that is harmful if inhaled, swallowed or even touched. The most important thing to remember with this type of hazardous waste is not to mix it up with other types of materials since the mixture might create an entirely new hazard. For example, acids and bases can react together in a process called neutralization which creates heat (exothermic reaction) and releases toxic fumes. This would be obviously dangerous for businesses who dispose of their chemicals by simply mixing them into one large container!

Lastly, pathological wastes like human tissue samples must always be stored in sealed containers prior to disposal. These may also need special attention depending on how they were disposed of beforehand (e.g., disinfected versus incinerated).

Risks Posed by Improper Hazardous Chemical Waste Management

Aside from the possibility of environmental and human health damages, businesses also face significant fines and even jail time for improper hazardous waste disposal. The EPA has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to breaches of regulations, so it is important for companies to be aware of what is expected of them.

In Ireland, hazardous waste is regulated under the Control of Hazardous Substances (COSHH) Regulations which are administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The COSHH Regulations divide hazardous waste into six main groups: flammable liquids, corrosive materials, oxidizing agents, toxic substances, radioactive materials and pathological wastes.

Hazardous waste must be disposed of properly in order to mitigate any potential damage to the environment or human health. Improper disposal can lead to groundwater and surface water contamination, air pollution, and even explosions. It is therefore important for businesses that handle hazardous waste to familiarize themselves with best practices for safe and lawful disposal.

How Can You Dispose of Hazardous Waste in Ireland

Now that we have a better understanding of what hazardous waste is, it’s important to know how it can be safely disposed of. The EPA has put together a comprehensive guide that outlines the best practices for businesses depending on their type of operation.

Generally speaking, there are four ways in which hazardous waste can be safely managed: storage, transportation, treatment and disposal. Let’s take a closer look at each one:

Storage simply means keeping the material in its original container until it can be transported or treated. It’s important to note that this is only temporary and should not be seen as an alternative to proper disposal.

Transportation usually refers to moving the waste from one place to another, for example from a factory to a landfill. The waste must be transported in accordance with the relevant regulations and should always be accompanied by a Dangerous Goods Note (DGN).

Treatment includes chemical or physical alteration of the material so that it is no longer hazardous. This can be done on-site or off-site, depending on the type of treatment required.

Disposal involves getting rid of the waste in an environmentally sound manner. There are many options available for disposals, such as landfilling, incineration and recycling. It’s important to choose an option that is appropriate for the type of hazardous waste being disposed of.

Aside from the possibility of environmental and human health damages, businesses also face significant fines and even jail time for improper hazardous waste disposal. The EPA has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to breaches of regulations, so it is important for companies to be aware of what is expected of them. Safecon can provide you with the needed know-how and training on hazardous waste disposal, so please get in touch if you have any questions. Through our service offering, we have a range of solutions to help clients improve business results through the introduction of integrated management systems delivered by our experienced team.

Signs That You Might Have a Problem with Hazardous Waste Disposal

Although businesses should be aware of the best practices for hazardous waste disposal, it’s not always easy to identify when there is a problem. Here are some common signs that you might have a problem:

• You’re not sure how to dispose of your hazardous waste correctly
• You’re not following the regulations governing hazardous waste disposal
• Your employees don’t have the necessary training or knowledge to handle hazardous waste safely
• You’re storing or transporting your hazardous waste in an unsafe manner

If you suspect that you might be having problems with your hazardous waste disposal, please get in touch with Safecon for help. We can provide you with expert advice and guidance on how to fix these issues.

Best Practices of Hazardous Waste Disposal 

We’ve outlined some of the best practices that we observed among companies that you can also adopt in your business.

Minimise the use of hazardous chemicals.

When it comes down to chemicals, the less hazardous and costly ones are usually available. This is why businesses have been able to reduce their usage rates over recent years by substituting one chemical for another in order not to harm workers or consumers with dangerous substances like solvents that can evaporate easily into thin air once applied to the skin. As such, you should always opt for these safer alternatives when possible. If there isn’t any alternative at all though then make sure you only use the minimum amount required, reuse these substances whenever feasible, and recycle what’s recoverable instead of outright disposing of them.

Create efficient inventory management and control.

Effective hazardous waste management requires strict inventory control. This is why it’s important for businesses to always be aware of their emergency response capacity and set limits accordingly. Having an inventory management software or application is not only helpful in keeping track of your supplies, but also of the possible wastes that your production creates. This information is crucial since it enables you to plan for the proper disposal of these hazardous wastes in a timely manner.

One excellent example of an efficient waste management system is Chemishield, created for Pfizer by Dermot Foley. Read on to know more about this amazing program and how Safecon can help you manage your inventory.

Preventing spills and maximising material usage.

Waste reduction is the key to sustainable development. A good way of reducing waste on your production site or work area is to ensure that all distances between storage areas and where employees do their job are short enough so there’s no potential for dangerous impediments along these routes. Otherwise, you could end up with an accidental injury brought about by poorly designed safety procedures and facilities.

In order to help mitigate the risks of leaks and spills, the production schedule should be efficient and effective as well. Using pre-weighed packages to reduce handling requirements is also important in reducing risks during these operations.

Lastly, the best way to reduce the risk of hazardous chemical residue spilling out from your recycling bin is by purchasing larger containers. This will also ensure that you use up all available materials before discarding and refilling them with new waste contents. The wider size and available space allow for easier handling during processing so there’s no need to worry about spillovers onto other items nearby. As such, companies should take into account these guidelines in selecting their appropriate receptacles.

Recycling chemical wastes.

When chemicals are recycled, the useful materials that can’t be directly re-used and would otherwise end up in a landfill or somewhere else where they don’t belong, get recovered. This ensures that our environment is protected from the effects of these chemical wastes by getting rid of these unwanted by-products while maximizing the usage of any materials that we can salvage.

Hazardous waste recycling is a key part of maintaining safe and compliant facilities. The materials can be sent back to where they came from, or if that isn’t possible, then it’s important for your company to choose licensed third parties with experience in managing this type of waste.

Proper chemical waste disposal.

When it comes to proper chemical waste disposal, there are a few things that your company needs to keep in mind.

First of all, is the presence of any dangerous pests or animals where you’re planning on depositing these chemical residues. If they do exist then make sure they are properly disposed of as well so they don’t contaminate whatever goes into the landfill later on down the line.

Secondly, hazardous chemical waste treatment should be carried out at dedicated Treatment Storage and Disposal Facilities (TSDFs). Always check whether your local facility has an area designated specifically for hazardous wastes before simply throwing them away.

Lastly, if there are no TSDFs in the area, then you should be proactive in reaching out to nearby communities and state officials so this can be corrected sooner rather than later.

Know your regulations and apply them accordingly.

It’s not enough that companies know their best practices for hazardous waste management, they also have to follow all applicable rules from government agencies regulating this area of concern. In some cases though, there might be more than one set of guidelines so it is important to avoid confusion by having an expert help you figure out which ones are most relevant to your business situation before trying anything on your own or hiring someone less qualified instead who could even end up exacerbating the problems you’re facing with hazardous waste disposal. 

Why Should We Care About the Environment and What We Leave behind for Future Generations

It’s a question that has been asked time and again, but the answer is always worth exploring. We should care about the environment because it is our home, plain and simple. What we do to it today will have an impact on not just those living now, but also on generations yet to come. That’s why it’s important for each of us to do what we can to reduce our environmental footprint – whether by recycling or composting, driving less or using energy-efficient appliances – every little bit counts. And when businesses take steps towards more sustainable operations, they’re not only setting an example for their peers but also helping make sure that future generations will be able to enjoy all that this planet has to offer.

When hazardous wastes are managed and disposed of properly, it protects the environment and keeps people safe. By following the best practices outlined in this post, your company can ensure that its chemical wastes are recycled or treated in a way that is compliant with all applicable regulations.

Remember to always consult with an expert such as Safecon’s Dermot Foley, EHS Consultant, if you’re unsure about how to proceed. Doing so will help keep your business – and our planet – running safely and sustainably for years to come.

Tips on How to Reduce the Impact of Hazardous Waste on the Environment 

As a business, there are many ways that you can reduce the impact of hazardous waste on the environment. Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Recycle or compost as much of your hazardous waste as possible. This will help reduce the amount of material that needs to be treated and disposed of properly.
• Make sure that all chemical residues are properly cleaned up and accounted for before disposing of them.
• If transporting hazardous wastes is necessary, make sure to do it in accordance with all applicable regulations.
• Choose environmentally friendly alternatives whenever possible. For example, using non-toxic cleaning products instead of harsh chemicals.

By following these simple tips, your company can greatly reduce its environmental impact and help keep our planet healthy for generations to come.

For more information on how to reduce the environmental impact of hazardous waste, and for comprehensive training to help your company and staff to handle such materials, be sure to get in touch with Safecon. Dermot Foley’s expertise as an EHS consultant will provide your business with the information and guidance necessary to stay compliant while also keeping you, your employees and our planet safe.

About Safecon:

Safecon helps companies improve their environmental performance by providing a range of EHS consultancy services such as hazardous material management systems, training for staff on how best to handle potential chemical hazards in order to keep everyone – including themselves – safe at all times. Dermot Foley has extensive experience in this area which he puts into practice through comprehensive assessments that involve both plants and fieldwork so businesses can see the areas where they need improvement before making investments towards safer operations. Most recently, he has implemented a liquid waste disposal system for Pharmaceutical giant, Pfizer through the introduction of waste management software, Chemishield. Chemishield identifies the correct waste stream for you to dispose of your chemical and solid waste. Reduce the risks, complexities and time associated with waste with both liquid and solid disposal.

For more information about what we do or how we can help you achieve similar results, be sure to get in touch today! You can leave a message right here at our website or you may call or contact numbers as well.