Introduction
Business waste is any recyclable or unrecyclable waste material which is not from your household. These are wastes from shops, tradespersons, pubs, schools, offices, factories or other business spaces. Regardless of the waste being domestic, that is, kitchen, lunch or restroom waste, as long as it isn’t a domestic living space, it is business waste.
Types of business waste:
General Waste
This is the everyday business waste companies produce and is a common unrecyclable waste. This includes laminated paper and used tissues.
Food Waste
Food waste is discarded food products and is in different categories. There’s the food waste bin for restaurant and office food waste and the ‘animal-by-product’ bin used by butchers.
Dry Mixed waste
This waste is not contaminated and can be recycled. They are put in the separate dry mixed recycling bin so it’s easy to locate at the business waste treatment facility. This includes plastic bottles, cans, cardboard and food tins
Clinical Waste
Clinical waste is disposed of by tattooists, dentists and hospitals (vet clinics inclusive). This includes human or animal tissue, bodily fluid, excretions, drugs, syringes and bandages.
Glass Waste
This waste is created by businesses that deal with glass like glass manufacturers, hospitality and restaurant. This includes materials like broken drinking bottles.
Hazardous Waste
As its name suggests, any waste that poses a potential risk to the environment or public health is classified as hazardous waste. Materials which are considered hazardous need to have at least one of the following traits: Companies like chemical or electroplating companies, and oil refineries produce toxic, reactive, corrosive and Ignitable waste that can be hazardous.
Washroom Waste
This waste is found in toilets and bathrooms and is commonly from leisure and hospitality businesses. Examples include tissues, nappies and sanitary products.
Why is waste management important to businesses?
Every business needs to manage its waste because:
- You are required to
First thing first, know that it is your responsibility and legal duty to dispose of your business waste no matter how big or small your business is. You will be fined if your business waste is not properly stored, removed and disposed of. The offence of illegal waste disposal can even earn you 12 to 5 years of jail time under the Environment Protection Act 1990.
- Waste transfer notes
As a business, you can decide to use the government waste disposal system or arrange a trade waste agreement contract between your business and a registered waste carrier. The waste carrier will require a waste transfer note which states the type and amount of waste. It is attached to the waste and a copy is also kept by the business.
- Duty of care
This is an outline that states the need for proper waste disposal by companies. This includes storing waste properly without causing damage to people or the environment, ensuring waste collection providers are fully licensed and the need for a waste transfer note. You must also follow the prevent, reuse, recycle and recover rule to keep your waste at its minimum. All these are also under the Environment Protection Act 1990.
You can be fined if you’re asked for either the waste transfer note or duty of care documents as a business and you don’t have them. Therefore, you’re advised to keep this proof of agreement for 2 years as it may be requested at any time.
How to manage your company waste effectively
Take note of the following considerations to help manage your company waste effectively:
- Organise a waste audit for waste type and the expected quantity.
- Inform the waste removal servicer so you can get the appropriate bins and collection service.
- Ensure your company staff are taught to segregate their waste by putting them in the appropriate bins.
- Ensure your waste is stored safely in places accessible to your waste collectors.
- Ensure you fill out and sign your waste transfer notes correctly and keep your copy in a safe place.
- Whenever you sense a change in your waste stream, conduct a waste audit to measure up for it. You’re advised to do this quarterly so the waste doesn’t aggregate before you notice.
