Chapter 5.1
Hazardous waste handling and
storage
TRP Chapter 5.1 1
Links in an integrated in hazardous
waste management system
Storage
Collection/
Transportation
Disposal
TRP Chapter 5.1 2
Storage site selection
On-site storage:
• In waste generator premises
• Not subject to flooding
• Away from manufacturing/processing areas
• Away from employee activities
Off-site storage:
• Not subject to flooding
• Away from residential area
• Ideally in industrial area
• Good access to public infrastructure eg
roads, emergency services
TRP Chapter 5.1 3
Storage site design criteria 1
• Minimise risk of explosion or unplanned releases .
• Keep incomatible wastes separate
• Not < 15m from site boundary (where possible)
• Away from foot & vehicular traffic
• Impermeable base material
• Leak and spill containment
Source: David C Wilson
TRP Chapter 5.1 4
Storage site design criteria 2
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Protection from climate
Good ventilation
Limit height of stacked containers
Eye wash station
Provide drainage system or elevate
Adsorbent material for spills
Re-packaging area
Comply with regulations
TRP Chapter 5.1 5
Hazardous waste compatibility 1
Compatibility = the ability of two or more
materials to exist in close association with
each other without the formation of harmful
chemical or physical reactions
• Need compatibility between:
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waste & container
wastes stored together
wastes stored close to each other
wastes & environment
TRP Chapter 5.1 6
Hazardous waste compatibility 2
Source: UK DoE (1988) Waste Management Paper No 26
TRP Chapter 5.1 7
Undesirable reactions to mixing
incompatible wastes
Generation of heat by chemical reaction
 Alkali metals, metal powders
 Generation of toxic gases
 Hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen sulphide
 Generation of flammable gases
 Hydrogen, acetylene
 Generation of gases
 Nitrogen oxides, chlorine,sulphur dioxide
 Dissolution of toxic compounds
 Heavy metals, complexing agents
TRP Chapter 5.1 8
Duration of hazardous waste storage
• Storage should be for as brief a period as possible
• Permitted temporary storage duration varies from
country to country
Western Europe:
• Typically 28 or 90 days
USA:
• Up to 90 days for large quantity generators
• Up to 180 days for small quantity generators
Some European countries and Far East:
• Indefinite period allowed
TRP Chapter 5.1 9
Long term storage
• For longer term storage, different controls needed
• If storage may be indefinite, controls should be
similar to those for final disposal facilities
• Long term storage may be a practical solution to
the problem of a shortage of hazardous waste
treatment and dsiposal facilities
• Important to avoid ‘storage’ becoming an excuse
for uncontrolled disposal
TRP Chapter 5.1 10
Types of storage
• Containerised
• Bulk liquids in
tanks
• Bulk solids in
bunkers, silos,
skips
TRP Chapter 5.1 11
Source: Safe hazardous waste management systems ISWA 2002
Packaging materials
• Must be inert and not react with the hazardous
waste
• Must be able to absorb impact
• Materials which can be used include:
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Steel
Aluminium
Natural Wood
Plywood
Reconstituted wood
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Fibreboard
Plastic material
Textile
Metal (other than steel or aluminium)
Glass or stoneware
TRP Chapter 5.1 12
Types of containers
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Bags
Boxes
Drums
Jerrycans
• Combination packaging
• Composite packaging
TRP Chapter 5.1 13
Source: Safe hazardous waste management systems ISWA 2002
Container selection criteria
•Inert
will not react with contents
is impervious to attack from contents
•Robust and able to absorb impact
•Good condition, free of leaks, structural defects or rust, clean
•Able to be kept closed except when waste material being added
or removed
•Contents will not escape in normal handling
•Suitable for quantity/volume of wastes - not over filled
TRP Chapter 5.1 14
Drums and cans
Drums:
• Reconditioned drums are cheaper than new ones
• Inspect quality and type of drum
Cans:
• Useful for vertical free space
Potential problems:
• Increase in disposal cost
• Increase in handling risks
TRP Chapter 5.1 15
Tanks
• Suitable for storage of bulk material
• Offer rigid and integral containment
• Easy to inspect
• Suitable for bulk materials handling
systems eg pipelines, belt conveyors
TRP Chapter 5.1 16
Marking and labelling
Source: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, Research & Special Programs Administration, 2000
TRP Chapter 5.1 17
All markings
Markings should be:
• Durable
• In English and/or native
language
• Unobscured
• Against a contrasting
background
• Away from other markings
TRP Chapter 5.1 18
Labels
All containers must be
clearly marked with waste
type and hazard
Labels should be:
• Made of good quality materials
• Durable
• Weather resistant
• Well located
• Recognisable and legible in day and
night time
• Give information about handling
precautions and prohibitions
• At least 100mm on each side
TRP Chapter 5.1 19
Types of labels
Hazard labels:
• In the shape of a square set at 45º
• Required for most dangerous goods except for
magnetised materials
Handling labels:
• In various rectangular shapes
• Required either alone or in addition of hazard labels
for some dangerous goods
TRP Chapter 5.1 20
Record keeping and inspection
Inspection:
• To ensure proper handling and storage
• To check integrity of storage
Record keeping:
• To provide a record of waste generation and
movement
• To inform a subseqeuent disposal option
• To serve as “chain of custody” document
• To comply with regulations
• To ensure duty of care
TRP Chapter 5.1 21
Handling and storage hazards for
personnel
Accidental injury eg equipment, containers
falling, fires, explosions
Chemical or biological harm eg respiratory
problems, skin complaints
Systemic effects:
•nausea
•headaches
•cancer
TRP Chapter 5.1 22
Chapter 5.1 Summary
Handling and storage are part of an integrated
system - need to:
• Choose/design storage site carefully
• Ensure waste compatibility
• Consider storage duration and types of storage
• Select appropriate packaging materials and
containers
• Ensure proper marking and labelling
• Keep accurate records and make regular
inspections
• Consider hazards for personnel
TRP Chapter 5.1 23