Waste storage According to regulations, this is the temporary storage of waste prior to its processing, collection, transportation, or disposal. This process is regulated according to specific requirements. What exactly are these?
The most important information about waste storage in the company
Storing waste in violation of applicable regulations can result in significant financial penalties. To avoid these penalties, it's worth familiarizing yourself with all the details and collaborating with an external entity specializing in this field. What do you absolutely need to know?
- Waste storage in a company should always be of a temporary nature – cannot be permanent, so be sure to pay attention to the deadlines set out in the regulations.
- The maximum waste storage time is One year for hazardous waste and three years for non-hazardous waste. After these deadlines, the waste must be handed over to an authorized recipient.
- The regulations prohibit: mixing different types of waste, storing them without proper labeling, exceeding the permissible amount of waste in the company, as well as storing waste in places not intended for this purpose.
As for the legal basis for the above information, we must mention first of all the Act of 14 December 2012 on waste, environmental regulations, fire protection regulations, as well as the Climate Regulation of 11 September 2020 on detailed requirements for waste storage.
Where can you store waste in your company? Current requirements
The location where waste is stored must meet several criteria. It should be appropriately protected against unauthorized access, the effects of changing weather conditions, and the ingress of substances into the soil, water, or sewage system.
This is of course not the end. Proper labeling is also crucial. Waste codes and markings are particularly important. Health and safety. The storage location must also be adapted to the specific nature of the waste so that its storage does not pose a threat to people, animals and the environment.
Other obligations of the waste storage company
The requirements discussed so far must be supplemented with fire safety regulations. In the case of flammable waste, the company must prepare documentation using the expertise of, or commission it from, a fire department specialist, or in certain circumstances even a fire safety expert. In the case of waste collection or processing, video surveillance and appropriate fire safety instructions are also necessary.
Moreover, the waste storage company is obliged to maintain waste records in the BDO system, must also have a current administrative decision and issue a KPO, i.e. Waste Transfer Cards.
Waste storage in the company – good practices
Environmental protection requires adherence to specific rules that protect against minor and major accidents and breakdowns. This is complemented by best practices employed by reputable companies.
These include, among other things, organization, i.e. conducting training, creating emergency procedures, and appointing people responsible for the entire process.
In addition, good technical practices can be added, such as securing the area where waste is stored and using special containers or catch basins for barrels containing contaminants.
Cooperation with a company offering services can also be considered a good practice. environmental consulting. This is a great solution when you want to gain full knowledge of current regulations and recommendations related to waste storage.
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