ISO 14001 Waste Management Procedures - A Detailed Guide

Have you ever thought about how to make your business eco-friendlier and more cost-effective? ISO 14001 Waste Management procedures might just be the solution you're looking for.  It aims to assist organisations in becoming environment friendly and  managing waste disposal efficiently. With ISO 14001, these procedures actively reduce waste and promote material reuse and recycling. These procedures actively focus on waste reduction, promoting the reuse and recycling of materials whenever feasible.

According to the World Bank, global municipal solid Waste generation reached 2.01 billion metric tons in 2016 and is expected to increase to 3.4 billion metric tons by 2050. By implementing ISO Waste Management procedures, organisations can enhance their Waste Management practices and contribute to a more sustainable future. In this ISO 14001 Waste Management blog, you will learn how to handle, transport and dispose of waste, prepare for crises, and maintain records related to Waste Management. Additionally, Regular ISO 14001 Audits ensure continuous improvement and compliance.

Table of Contents 

1) Understanding ISO 14001 Waste Management procedures

      a) Analyse your Waste

      b) Store your Waste

      c) Label the Waste

      d) Disposal of Waste

     e) Plan for Emergencies

     f) Train Personnel

    g) Keep Records

2) Benefits of ISO 14001 Waste Management Procedures

3) Conclusion

Understanding ISO 14001 Waste Management Procedures 

Every business in the world needs a way to get rid of things they no longer need safely and effectively.  Understanding ISO 14001 Waste Management Procedures is paramount for efficient Waste Management practices.

Analyse your Waste

The first step in waste analysis under ISO 14001 is to identify all the waste streams generated by the organisation's activities, products, or services. This could include solid waste, liquid waste, hazardous waste, emissions, and more.
 

Store your Waste

Different types of Waste, whether they're solid or liquid, need specific storage conditions. Hazardous waste must be kept in a strong, leak-proof container that stays closed when not in use. Various types of Waste might need different kinds of containers. These containers must have

a) Labels saying, "Hazardous Waste," 

b) A clear description of what's inside

c) Date when the waste was first put in. 

They should be stored on a surface that doesn't let liquids pass through. There should be enough space to conduct inspections weekly. Additional requirements for outdoor storage include:

a) Managing access to the containers

b) Protecting containers from other factors, such as weather

c) Put containers filled with liquid waste on a raised and non-absorbent surface to prevent spilling.

Label the waste

Regular waste doesn't need any special labels. However, there are usually laws in place for dangerous waste. In most of the countries, companies need permission to make certain types of dangerous Waste. The label used to mark packed hazardous waste typically includes the following details:

a) A warning that clearly states it is hazardous waste.

b) Information about the person or company who packed the waste, including their name, address, phone number, the date when it was packed, and the name of the person responsible.

c) A description of what the waste looks like, such as whether it's a powder, solid, thick liquid, paste, sludge, regular liquid, or a gas.

Disposal of Waste

To make sure dangerous waste is disposed of properly and does not land in any legal trouble, follow the steps given below:

a) Has a hazardous Waste Identification Number (WIN)

b) Currently has permission to transport dangerous waste

c) Completed necessary training

d) Have proper liability insurance

e) Carries documents in their vehicle

f) Takes the dangerous waste to an authorised facility

Plan for emergencies

Handling hazardous Waste means there is always a chance for an emergency. Plan for emergencies in the following ways:

a) Identify potential hazards that could lead to emergencies, such as natural disasters (earthquakes, floods), technological incidents (fires, chemical spills), and human-induced events (cyberattacks, workplace violence)..

b)  Conduct regular training sessions for all employees on emergency procedures, including evacuation drills, fire drills, and response to specific emergencies like chemical spills.

Train Personnel

Every employee who works in any part of the Waste Management System needs to get proper training and have good working conditions. The training should cover the following topics:

a) Teach proper techniques for handling different types of waste, including hazardous and non-hazardous materials.

b) Ensure employees understand the legal and regulatory requirements related to waste management.

c) Instill a sense of responsibility towards minimising environmental impact through effective waste management.

d) Conduct regular audits of waste management practices to ensure Compliance and to identify any areas where additional training may be needed.

Keep Records

The reason for keeping records is to prove that waste is stored as per the procedures. The usual records to maintain include those that show the kind and quantity of waste generated and records of waste given to an authorised organisation. 

Benefits of Implementing ISO 14001 in Waste Management 

Key Benefits of Implementing ISO 14001 in Waste Management are:

1) Enhanced Environmental Performance: ISO 14001 provides a structured approach for businesses to identify and mitigate their environmental impact. By adopting this standard in waste management, companies can reduce their carbon footprint, diminish waste generation and disposal, and conserve natural resources.

2) Compliance with Legal Requirements: Adhering to ISO 14001 helps businesses meet regulatory requirements related to Environmental Management System. It also ensures they stay updated with evolving environmental regulations, thereby avoiding penalties and fines.

3) Improved Reputation: Implementing ISO 14001 in waste management can boost a business’s market reputation. It showcases their commitment to environmental responsibility, attracting environmentally conscious customers and investors.

4) Cost Savings: Effective waste management practices can lead to substantial cost savings. By reducing waste generation and disposal, minimising energy consumption, and enhancing efficiency, businesses can lower waste management costs and increase profitability.

5) Increased Employee Engagement: ISO 14001 can also enhance Employee Engagement and motivation. It provides a framework for involving employees in environmental initiatives, promoting a sense of ownership and pride. Employees can contribute to identifying areas for improvement and implementing waste reduction measures.

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Conclusion 

We hope this blog covers all you need to know about Waste Management. These procedures drive innovation, boost competitiveness, and foster employee engagement. Implementing ISO 14001 Waste Management procedures is a powerful step towards a greener future, benefiting both organisations and the planet we live in.

Learn to initialise and plan the verification process with our ISO 14001 Training today.