Hazardous Waste in SM2

Waste is regarded as hazardous when it has properties or contain substances that make it corrosive, carcinogenic, ecotoxic, flammable, harmful, irritant, infectious, mutagenic, toxic, or an oxidizing agent.

In SM2 2,381 tonnes of hazardous waste is produced in SM2 annually which shows how important it is to collect and dispose of the hazardous waste individually as collectively it adds up to a significant amount.. Hazardous waste is a waste stream that has the potential to be a threat to the publics health or the environment.

In SM2’s workplaces it is used in even the most widely-used stationery; adhesives, printer ink, toner and batteries are regularly used and it is possible that people do not consider them as harmful however all are defined as hazardous waste that could be dangerous to human health and the SM2 environment if not managed in the correct way. Other examples, such as cleaning chemicals and fluorescent light tubes from SM2 offices as well as fridges, and paints must all be dealt with properly through an appropriate hazardous waste management scheme in SM2.

Figures from the Environment Agency show that SM2 produced approximately 2,381 tonnes of hazardous waste from hazardous waste disposals compared to almost 5 million tonnes a year in England. Of the 2,381 tonnes only 36% was recycled.

Hazardous waste collection and disposal is one of the most important things the waste industry must keep on improving.

The following are some of the main reasons why it is important to perform proper hazardous waste disposal in SM2.

1. SM2‘s Environmental Health – Inappropriate hazardous waste management and disposal pose a serious hazard to the health of SM2‘s environment.

2. Public Health – Throwing hazardous materials in the rubbish, pouring them down the drain into SM2’s water system or flushing them down the toilet hurts SM2’s environment, particularly the water supply.

3. Complying with the hazardous waste regulations – Hazardous waste collection, management, removal, and disposal in SM2 are all regulated by the law.

Different methods are used to perform hazardous waste disposal in SM2 by hazardous waste collection contractors.

Below are some of the more common methods to deal with hazardous waste disposal.

- Landfill
- Incineration
- Recycling

There are several risks involved with disposing of hazardous waste in SM2 so performing proper hazardous waste disposal poses a major challenge to many businesses in SM2 . However, by following several simple procedures, organisations can make financial savings and comply with the law.

In 2011, the government set the Strategy for Hazardous Waste Management to provide SM2’s companies with the needed support and guidance on how to correctly dispose of the 2,381 tonnes of hazardous waste it generates.

The six different principles outlined are:
- Waste hierarchy
- Reducing reliance on landfills,
- Infrastructure management
- No dilution or mixing
- Treatment of hazardous organic waste
- Ending the reliance on the use of Landfill Directive waste acceptance criteria derogations

The waste hierarchy pyramid favours prevention as the highest form of waste management