Simply throwing rubbish out isn’t the complete picture of waste disposal.
For Australian businesses, it is much more complicated than that, requiring attention to detail, and commitment to eco-friendly practices.
If done incorrectly, it may lead to environmental harm, costly fines, or a tarnished reputation. But getting it right allows for streamlined processes, reduced operating costs, and improved community perception.
In Australia, we at Cleanway focus on guiding businesses and helping them get the process right.
This blog explores waste management, and explain how to properly structure the process.
What Is Involved With Waste Disposal In Australia?
For Australian businesses, waste disposal is the entire process of collecting, sorting, transporting, treating, and eventually disposing of waste that is produced as a result of commercial activities.
Whether it is general waste, recyclables, or more hazardous materials such as chemicals and e-waste, these all need proper management. The goal, however, is to protect the environment.
Managing Waste Types
While the general rules of waste management are somewhat cohesive, there are different practices that need to be applied to different types of waste materials. This might be the job of a waste management company, but it is still valuable to know
Managing Hazardous Waste
Hazardous waste, as its name suggests, poses some risks to both human health and the environment that are worsened when they are improperly and carelessly disposed.
Companies that work with hazardous waste, be it waste oil, asbestos waste, or anything that might cause harm should contact EPA-licensed waste management services like Cleanway.
Managing Liquid Waste
Liquid waste is a substance of waste that it prone to contamination and spillage. It can be especially more difficult to transport for commercial operators who do not have the necessary equipment.
This is where a waste company comes in. Not only can they assist in its disposal, but they can also be there for emergency spill situations.
Managing Electronic Waste (E-Waste)
Electronic waste (e-waste) is one of the new byproducts of our technology based world. It poses unique challenges that requires specific requirements for waste and disposal.
Luckily, there are services who are capable of handling it. Be sure to contact companies like Cleanway who offer e waste recycling services.
8 Key Steps In The Waste Disposal Process
Waste disposal is a process that has multiple steps, including recycling facilities and transfer stations, all of which have their own importance. We’ve put together some handy tips for your business.
While some might be as simple as placing recycling bins in your office, many do require a specialised team. Additionally, home owners looking for better ways to deal with domestic waste can find some useful suggestions here.
Identify Your Waste Streams
Every business has different kinds of waste, and identify what waste you are producing is a great start. It could be food waste from the kitchen, cardboard boxes from the retail section, or even hazardous materials like batteries or paints.
Safety data sheets, product labels and suppliers can be useful for clarifying questions. Knowing what types of waste your business produces allows for better planning in disposal. If unsure, Cleanway’s waste audit services might be useful.
Sort Waste Properly
Failing to keep different waste streams separate can result in unnecessary expenses. E-waste like old computers require specialist handling, while organic waste needs a separate bin for composting.
Recyclables such as paper, plastics, and glass along with general waste and hazardous materials must all be kept separately. To minimise mix-ups, use colour-coded and clearly labelled bins. Segregation simplifies waste disposal and ensures compliance.
Store Waste Securely
Before collection, proper storage is essential. Sturdy leak-proof containers for liquids and sealed containers for asbestos should be used.
Place them in a secure area with adequate ventilation away from public access and stormwater drains. Safe storage keeps you compliant with EPA regulations and minimises risks.
Work with Authorised Collectors
Standard waste collection strategies do not address the unique requirements of each client. Work with licensed waste management companies such as Cleanway so collection schedules can be customised for your requirements, be it daily for general waste or weekly for hazardous materials.
Professionals ensure your waste is handled safely and effectively.
Maximise Recovery and Recycling
Disposal does not necessarily translate to a landfill. Recycling recovery should be prioritised first: plastics, metals, and cardboard can be recycled, while food waste can be composted or converted to energy using anaerobic digestion.
Work with your waste provider to assess what options there are for recycling because these are better for the environment and significantly cheaper compared to landfill costs.
Treatment Must be Managed Appropriately
Chemicals and medical waste are examples of hazardous waste that require some form of treatment prior to disposal, sometimes this means incineration, decontamination, or shredding for e-waste.
Make sure your waste partner has treatment subcontractors that use state licensed facilities because they need to operate under their legal requirements. This will greatly aid in compliance and safety.
Assessment and Improvement
Your business practices regarding waste disposal should not be passive or static. Periodically check your all-in compliance gaps, even if its something simple like garden waste.
For example, digital invoicing slashes the amount of paper waste produced, whilst bulk buying reduces resultant packaging waste. Sustaining improvement will also lead to reduced costs and sustainable growth for your business.
Why Proper Waste Disposal is Important
Getting written-off Waste Removal entails an Australian ‘how to’ guide for tangible waste disposal via full-bodied recycling, reclaiming, and reduction of operational resources. Paper for the book-bound rest gets shredded digitally.
Australia’s Waste Management
Used for products which could do harm in the wrong hands, such as paper, electronics, or machinery components, proper disposal is needed.
Configuration and computer e-waste, for example. Not contaminating the environment is a crucial means of proper recycling: reclaiming reduces landfill burden while safe rubbish disposal stops toxins from soil, water, or air pollution.
This is of great importance for the preservation of Australia’s environment.
Closing thoughts
With the right strategy, the waste management process may be technically complicated, but it is certainly achievable.
The following eight steps, from identifying various waste streams to improving practices, illustrate how to distinctly strive towards capturing this opportunity.
In Cleanway’s opinion, the opportunity to pursue cost savings, lower environmental footprints, and enhanced brand value and reputation are well worth the sustained effort.