Waste Management

The focus of this activity is on minimising the production of wastes and identifying opportunities to dispose of wastes in a way that maximises benefits for businesses and the environment.

You may be able to save or even make money by sorting, shredding and crushing wastes where appropriate to make them more attractive to recyclers. It may be cost effective to reuse or recycle waste products on site, such as solvents.

Cooperating with neighbouring businesses may make collection more worthwhile for recyclers and more cost effective for you .

• Audit the contents of your general waste bin to identify all potentially reusable or recyclable materials or waste that should not be disposed of to landfill.

• Investigate opportunities to reuse materials or to direct recyclables to a recycler. Separating out bulky or heavy items such as cardboard and used vehicle parts may save you money.

• Use a licensed contractor to dispose of hazardous wastes or anything that contains free liquids, such as oil/water separator sludge, car batteries or oil filters. Such waste materials must not be placed in general waste bins or down drains. They should be contained and stored in a covered, bunded site while they wait to be collected (see Part 4). Small quantities of some wastes may be safe to be delivered to specific collection points at landfill sites. When transporting waste materials, ensure that they are well secured and contained and that amounts do not trigger waste transport codes and other government requirements. Thinner recycling sludge may be disposed of to landfill if it is dry.

• Check that contractors are licensed to remove relevant wastes. Ask to see their licence or consignment authorisation number and keep all receipts, invoices and transfer documentation. Such records can be critical in proving to authorities that you were not responsible for a contamination event in the area.

Click here to download an Environmental Guidance Note on Managing Motor Trades Wastes

Click here to download an Environmental Guidance Note on Recylcing and Disposing of Liquid Wastes

Click here to download an Environmental Guidance Note on Recycling and Disposing of Solid Wastes.

Click here to download an Environmental Guidance Note on Disposing of Waste Tyres