Collection, Transportation, & Storage

Transportation of Hazardous Waste

Authorization : Hazardous waste can only be transported by authorized carriers, who must have a valid authorization under the Hazardous Waste Management Rules.

Manifest System : A tracking system (manifest) must accompany the waste from its point of origin to its final destination. This ensures traceability and proper documentation of the waste movement.

Packaging and Labeling : Hazardous waste must be packaged in containers that are compatible with the type of waste and prevent leakage. The containers must be properly labeled with clear hazard symbols, including details such as the type of waste and the potential hazards.

Transport Conditions : The transport vehicle must be appropriately equipped to handle the waste securely and safely. It must have the necessary spill containment systems in place in case of accidents.

Storage of Hazardous Waste

Storage Areas : Storage areas for hazardous waste must be designated, constructed, and operated to prevent contamination or accidents. These areas should be secure, well-ventilated, and protected from extreme weather conditions.

Segregation : Hazardous waste must be segregated according to its type and characteristics (e.g., chemical, flammable, reactive) to minimize risks of reactions, fires, or contamination.

Duration of Storage : Hazardous waste should not be stored for an extended period. The rules provide specific time limits for the storage of waste before it must be treated or disposed of.

Treatment & Disposal of Hazardous Waste

Treatment Options : The rules encourage the use of various treatment technologies based on the nature of the hazardous waste. Treatment methods include:

• Physical treatment : Such as filtration, centrifugation, or neutralization.
• Chemical treatment : Using chemicals to neutralize or detoxify hazardous substances.
• Thermal treatment : Involving incineration or pyrolysis for high-temperature decomposition of waste.
• Biological treatment : For biodegradation of organic hazardous waste.

Authorized Facilities : Waste generators are required to send hazardous waste to authorized Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities (TSDFs) that are equipped to handle and treat hazardous materials in compliance with environmental standards.

Waste Minimization : Treatment methods should aim at reducing the volume and toxicity of waste, wherever possible, to make it safer for disposal or recycling.

Disposal of Hazardous Waste

Disposal Methods : Hazardous waste must be disposed of in a manner that prevents harm to human health and the environment. Some common disposal methods include:

• Landfilling : Hazardous waste can be disposed of in specially designed hazardous waste landfills that prevent leachate from contaminating groundwater.
• Waste-to-Energy : Certain types of hazardous waste may be disposed of by converting it into energy (e.g., incineration with energy recovery).
• Deep Well Injection : This method is used for liquid hazardous wastes by injecting them into deep geological formations.

Compliance with Standards : Disposal must comply with the standards set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) regarding emissions, leachate management, and groundwater protection.

Categories of Waste

The Hazardous Waste Management Rules, 2016 categorize hazardous wastes into various groups based on their characteristics. These categories help in determining the appropriate handling, treatment, and disposal methods.

Manifest System : A tracking system (manifest) must accompany the waste from its point of origin to its final destination. This ensures traceability and proper documentation of the waste movement.

Packaging and Labeling : Hazardous waste must be packaged in containers that are compatible with the type of waste and prevent leakage. The containers must be properly labeled with clear hazard symbols, including details such as the type of waste and the potential hazards.

Transport Conditions : The transport vehicle must be appropriately equipped to handle the waste securely and safely. It must have the necessary spill containment systems in place in case of accidents.

Storage of Hazardous Waste

Storage Areas : Storage areas for hazardous waste must be designated, constructed, and operated to prevent contamination or accidents. These areas should be secure, well-ventilated, and protected from extreme weather conditions.

Segregation : Hazardous waste must be segregated according to its type and characteristics (e.g., chemical, flammable, reactive) to minimize risks of reactions, fires, or contamination.

Duration of Storage : Hazardous waste should not be stored for an extended period. The rules provide specific time limits for the storage of waste before it must be treated or disposed of.

Categories of Waste

The Hazardous Waste Management Rules, 2016 categorize hazardous wastes into various groups based on their characteristics. These categories help in determining the appropriate handling, treatment, and disposal methods.

Categories of Hazardous Waste :

Waste from Industrial Processes : These are wastes generated from industries such as manufacturing, chemical production, and petroleum refining. They include waste oils, solvents, sludge, and other byproducts that pose risks.

Biomedical Waste : This includes waste generated from healthcare activities, such as discarded medicines, syringes, blood-soaked materials, and other medical products.

E-waste : Electronic waste, including discarded electronics such as computers, phones, and televisions, which contain hazardous components like mercury, lead, and cadmium.

Used Batteries : Wastes from used batteries, which contain hazardous chemicals like lead, mercury, and lithium, and must be carefully disposed of.

Spent Solvents and Chemicals : Wastes consisting of solvents, acids, and chemicals used in laboratories, pharmaceutical production, and other chemical processes.

Construction and Demolition Waste : Waste from construction activities, including paints, adhesives, and demolition debris containing hazardous substances.

Packaging Waste : Hazardous materials left in containers, such as empty containers of chemicals, pesticides, and other toxic materials.

Waste from Spills or Accidents : Wastes generated during the handling or transportation of hazardous substances, such as chemical spills.

Categories of Non-Hazardous Waste

The HWM Rules 2016 also distinguish between hazardous and non-hazardous waste. While hazardous waste needs to be disposed of through specialized methods, non-hazardous waste can be handled through regular waste management methods such as recycling, composting, or general landfilling.