If your business generates chemical waste, it can be difficult to know what to do with it once it is no longer needed. Different chemicals can have different handling, storage and disposal requirements, so simply storing them until collection day is not always appropriate.
Before arranging chemical waste collection, it is important to understand what you have and how it needs to be managed. Clarence Valley Septics provides chemical waste collection, disposal, storage, consolidation and processing services for businesses across Northern NSW.
Start by working out exactly what you have. Check product labels, Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and your business records to identify the substance, its hazards and roughly how much you have.
This information helps determine how the material should be collected, transported and processed. It can also highlight substances that need to be kept apart.
If a container has lost its label or you are unsure what it contains, do not guess Keep it separate and let the collection provider know that you are unsure what is inside.
Avoid combining different types of chemical waste just to reduce the number of containers you need to store.
Some substances can react when they come into contact with each other, potentially producing heat, vapours or other hazardous substances. Keeping different waste streams apart can also make them easier to process, recover or dispose of later.
If you are unsure whether two products can be stored together, ask before moving or mixing them.
Chemical waste should be kept in containers that are suitable for their contents and in good condition. Containers should be secure and, where appropriate, sealed to prevent spills or leaks.
Clearly label each container so it is easy to identify its contents and any hazards involved. Where possible, keeping products in their original containers can make identification easier.
If a container is damaged or leaking, do not put it into your usual storage area. Contact the collection provider and ask how it should be handled.
Your storage area should protect containers from damage and help prevent spills from reaching people, drains, soil or waterways. Keep materials in a secure location and follow any storage requirements that apply to the substances involved.
Regularly check containers and the surrounding area for leaks, corrosion, damaged packaging or other problems. It is also useful to keep a record of what you have stored and roughly how much you have.
Good chemical waste storage is about keeping potential risks under control while materials are waiting for collection.
Before the collection team arrives, make sure everything is clearly identified, securely contained and easy to access.
Keep relevant information ready, including the type and quantity of material, SDS information where applicable, and details of any known hazards. Tell the collection provider about anything they should know in advance, such as leaking containers, unusual substances, difficult site access or other concerns.
Having these details beforehand helps the contractor understand what they will be dealing with and organise the collection accordingly.
Depending on the type of waste involved, NSW Government requirements may also apply to its transport and tracking. Some hazardous or trackable wastes have specific requirements for how they are transported and received. If you are unsure what applies to your waste, ask for advice before arranging collection.
Do not pour chemical waste down drains, tip it onto the ground or place it into general waste unless you have confirmed that the particular material can legally and safely be disposed of that way.
Incorrect disposal can expose employees, contractors and waste workers to hazardous substances. It can also allow chemicals to contaminate soil, waterways or surrounding property.
Professional chemical waste disposal provides a controlled option, with materials collected and taken to an appropriate facility for processing, recovery or disposal.
A professional waste contractor can help when you are unsure how a particular material should be managed or when your business produces several different types of chemical waste.
We handle a range of materials, including solvents, thinners, alcohols, X-ray fluids and other chemical products.
There is no single approach that suits every type of chemical waste. The right way to store, transport or dispose of a material depends on what it is and the risks associated with it.
If you are unsure how a particular material should be handled, getting advice before moving, mixing or disposing of it can help prevent problems later.
If your business generates chemical waste and you are unsure how to store, separate or prepare it for collection, Clarence Valley Septics can help you work out what you need to do.
Our chemical waste collection and disposal services are available across Clarence, Coffs Harbour, Grafton, Maclean, Yamba and surrounding Northern NSW areas.
Contact us to discuss your chemical waste and find out how it can be collected and managed.