Before you start working with your rubbish removal North Sydney agency, it is important to know some of the most common waste removal mistakes you could be making, especially when dealing with hazardous waste. Mistakes can teach us a lot of things and reveal important insights. But although we should accept our fallible nature, this shouldn’t excuse us from doing all things in our power to avoid making mistakes whenever we can, especially when the safety and health of others are at risk. Here are some common mistakes we should avoid when managing hazardous waste.
Improperly or failing to label your hazardous waste containers
Labelling waste containers is very important as it notifies anyone that comes into contact with the container of the hazardous characteristics of the waste and the type and amount of waste contained in the container. Labelling and marking containers prevent tragedies. We have found it very helpful to assign this task to one employee and check with them regularly to ensure the labels are being updated accordingly.
Illegally dumping hazardous waste
This is a common mistake that continues to happen throughout the country regularly. Hazardous waste shouldn’t be disposed of in this manner, no matter the planning or discretion involved. It is illegal to do this and the act endangers the community and surrounding environment and can be traced back to you.
Not having a good plan
Both large-quantity rubbish generators and small-quantity rubbish generators are required to have a contingency plan. Every rubbish removal agency should know this. Just like container labels, a good contingency plan is designed to prevent hazards to the environment and human health by providing guidance and instructions for those dealing with unexpected waste spills, fires or explosions. Essential elements are subject to change such as specific actions and emergency contact information and should be updated in a timely way.
Keeping too much hazardous waste on-site
Keeping rubbish on site is complicated. You can keep waste on site for just three days before removing it to a longer-term storage place. Beyond those three days, large-quantity generators can store waste in a container onsite for around ninety days whereas small-quantity generators can store hazardous waste on-site for up to one hundred and eighty days. To avoid citations and complications, it is important to transfer waste according to the available deadlines.
Not keeping the lid containers closed at all times
This is a very simple step. To ensure a lid is closed, it should be vapour tight and leak-proof. If the lid is not properly closed, the volume of waste will be reduced by evaporation and this is very dangerous. It is, therefore, important to ensure all your employees know about this important precaution by posting notices and signs near the storage areas.
Not working with a good agency
Rubbish removal North Sydney services should only be provided by an experienced and licensed agency that knows the rules and regulations concerning hazardous waste. Note that only specialists can handle and remove hazardous waste – so when you call in a rubbish removal agency, be transparent from the outset about what kind of waste you need removed.
