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November 11, 2024With evolving regulations, environmental concerns, and the rising cost of disposal, industrial waste management has become a pressing issue for businesses across Scotland.
We’ll be diving into some of the key industrial waste challenges local businesses face, supported by real-life examples, and offer real, practical solutions to these pressing issues.
The Current State of Industrial Waste Regulations
Scotland has been tightening industrial waste management regulations in recent years, mainly due to the growing issue of waste crime. A key part of this was highlighted in the BBC Disclosure program “Dirty Business,” which investigated illegal waste activities.
Scotland’s waste management issues encompass a range of illegal waste activities which pose significant environmental risks by releasing harmful gases and pollutants as the waste decomposes.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges, establishing a dedicated intelligence and enforcement unit to combat waste crime.
Lack of Waste Management
Poor waste management often results in significant financial penalties and business risks. A notable example is the 2018 incident involving the waste transfer operated by William Tracey Group, now known as Enva.
There was a case of poor waste handling practices at this facility that resulted in a tragic fatality and significant legal repercussions.
This gruesome case highlights the lethal consequences of neglecting proper industrial waste disposal practices.
Hazardous Waste Mismanagement
When it comes to waste mismanagement, the type of material being mishandled makes a significant difference. Misclassifying hazardous materials is a common mistake that may lead to exceptionally alarming risks.
In 2022, a local company faced a £6,200 variable monetary penalty from SEPA for failing to comply with a condition of its Pollution Prevention and Control (PPC) permit, specifically regarding offensive odours. This incident underscores the importance of adhering to environmental regulations to prevent negative impacts on the community.
Hazardous waste types include:
- acids
- batteries
- chemicals, such as brake fluid or print toner
- asbestos
- pesticides
- solvents
- equipment containing ozone depleting substances, like fridges
- trade effluent
- Petrol
- hazardous waste containers
Health and Safety Challenges in Industrial Waste Cleaning
Industrial waste disposal is an environmental concern and a significant workplace safety issue. A fire at a recycling centre in Birkenhead in 2018 exemplifies the dangers of improper waste management.
According to reports, individuals associated with the site reported the fire hazard posed by illegally kept rubbish before this occurrence.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reported a 2% rise in non-fatal injuries among waste sector workers, totalling 1,616 in 2022-23. Of these, 74% resulted in incapacitation for over seven days, primarily due to slips, trips, falls, and handling objects. Vehicle-related incidents and contact with moving machinery are leading causes of serious injuries in the waste sector.
It is only getting more serious for local industries, particularly in manufacturing and logistics, to focus on prioritising worker safety and complying with proper waste disposal protocols to prevent such dangerous incidents from occurring in the future.
Investing in Professional Waste Management
Investing in waste management strategies saves money in the long run.
Begin with a professional waste audit, which offers a clear overview of waste output and initiates a chain reaction of sustainable behaviours such as increased recycling and secure storage of hazardous waste.
If your company is dealing with industrial waste issues, you should seek professional help. Partnering with a local professional may help you handle your waste safely, legally, and efficiently.
Businesses in Paisley that want to protect their employees while maintaining regulatory compliance and lowering costs should consider collaborating with a reputable industrial waste management provider like Walsh Bros, that boasts over four decades of expertise in the field.
