Hazardous waste - waste that fulfils at least one of the hazard criteria defined in waste legislation. These properties mostly occur due to the content of hazardous substances.
Disposal/Hazardous waste
Waste may have to be classified as hazardous due to its content of hazardous chemicals. In accordance with applicable laws and regulations (Commission Regulation (EU) 1357/2014 on waste, national regulations), hazardous waste has to be classified according to the following hazardousness characteristics:
- explosives
- strong oxidants
- flammable
- eye and skin irritants
- toxic
- carcinogenic
- corrosive
- infectious
- reprotoxic
- mutagens
- giving off toxic gases
- sensitizing
- ecotoxic
How to manage hazardous waste?
Hazardous waste storage
Hazardous waste should be safely packaged and stored at a designated place, and the storage time be minimised. The principles of packaging, labelling and storing hazardous chemicals should be applied, as hazardous waste is nothing more than a hazardous mixture. Similar principles apply as to the packaging of hazardous substances and mixtures.
Hazardous waste (packaging) must be properly labelled, including the waste code that encodes the origin of the waste and its chemical composition. The label should also include the date of packaging and the packer as well as warning signs in accordance with the laws and regulations on chemicals and chemical products, classification, labelling and packaging.
How to dispose of hazardous waste?
Hazardous waste must be disposed by specialized waste treatment companies who have a permit to conduct such activities. Specific documentation requirements have to be fulfilled as well. Further guidance and information should be sought at the national authorities.