Not all waste is the same.
WHAT STREAMS TYPICALLY EXIST
General household and commercial waste Organic and food waste
Recyclables: paper, plastic, metal, glass
Construction and demolition waste Electronic waste Medical and clinical waste Hazardous waste
WHY SEPARATION MATTERS
Mixed waste cannot be recycled and it costs more to dispose of.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Which streams you are authorised and equipped to handle.
WHAT TO REFUSE
Anything outside your authorisation.
WHY
Collecting waste you are not authorised for is an offence and it is dangerous.
WHAT TO BE ALERT TO
Hazardous material presented as general waste.
WHAT THAT INCLUDES
Chemicals and solvents Fuel and oil Batteries Asbestos-containing material Medical waste Pressurised containers
WHY PRESSURISED CONTAINERS MATTER
They explode in compaction equipment and they have killed crews.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Crew training in recognising what must not be collected.
WHAT TO DO ON FINDING IT
Do not collect it Inform the customer Report it where required
WHAT ELECTRONIC WASTE REQUIRES
Specific handling and authorised processing.
WHY
It contains hazardous components and recoverable materials.
WHAT MEDICAL WASTE REQUIRES
Separate authorisation, containers, transport and destruction.
WHY
It presents infection risk and it is strictly regulated.
WHAT TO NEVER DO
Mix regulated waste into general collection.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH WITH CUSTOMERS
What they may and may not present.
WHAT TO PROVIDE
Clear guidance, in writing.
