Hazardous and chemical waste management is currently a hot topic at UNTHA UK’s North Yorkshire headquarters. But it’s actually a topic we’ve been passionate about for some time. In fact, several years ago, our now Chairman Chris Oldfield was asked to author a column on the very topic, for an industry magazine. It is this same article that we have pulled from our archives for this latest blog. Let us know what you think…
Ever-changing legislation and an increasing awareness of the need to develop safe and environmentally responsible waste disposal methods, mean that the processing of any waste packaging falls under great scrutiny. When managing potentially hazardous chemical packaging waste though, this level of scrutiny is further heightened.
Empty primary chemical containers such as IBCs or agrochemical barrels for example, are likely to still contain residual amounts of chemicals even if they have not been used for some time. In just the same way that the chemicals themselves need to be stored and processed in a safe and controlled manner, the packaging should therefore equally be handled with care before it enters the waste stream.
The co-disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous wastes was surprisingly only banned in July 2005, when the Government tightened Landfill Directive regulations for fear of continued environmental harm.
Until Autumn 2007, IBC’s and barrels containing waste chemicals and sludge’s were often crudely shredded usually in a basic two shaft shredder before a JCB would mix the shredded material in a pit with lime or other neutralising agents before land filling. This process has now been outlawed.
So what are the options for containers such as agrochemical barrels, which should not get onto the open market in case they are ever re-used as water butts. The barrels can still be sent as raw drums to one of two licensed hazardous waste incinerators in the UK – Ellesmere Port or Southampton. Sometimes even the waste water the barrels may have housed can be sent to these incinerators – despite water having no calorific value – to prevent leachate leakage into the main water stream.
But further potential in fact exists for such chemical packaging. Innovative technology and systematic processes can now not only ensure the removal of toxicity but also the creation of a clean and safe energy source.
Utilising a sophisticated four-shaft machine with a ram, companies can shred their barrels on-site. When the resultant fraction exits the shredder it can be transported via a conveyor belt into a specialist mixing plant, whereby it is combined with a neutralisation agent under test conditions, to ensure that the material is inert. This chemically neutral substance can then be reused in some way or perhaps used as a fuel in a waste to energy plant. Not only does this satisfy companies’ legal and environmental obligations it may generate a revenue stream for the client – something that cannot be said if the waste is simply incinerated.
The onus of responsibility for ensuring the safe and legal disposal of any waste lies firmly with the waste producer, but waste management experts also hold a duty of care to share best practice and alternative solutions wherever possible. I am a passionate advocate of the UK translating today’s rubbish into tomorrow’s fuel, and truly believe that chemical packaging waste provides us with yet another opportunity to do this.