Dedicated, specialised facilities

What makes a waste hazardous?

Containing substances toxic for humans & the environment

•  Reference by hazardous properties: explosive, flammable, corrosive, acute or chronic toxicity, eco-toxicity with or without bioaccumulation, etcetera.

•  Substances that can generate hazardous by-products on contact with air or water, eg. Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) such as Lindane & Dioxins.

What is the origin of hazardous waste?

• Industry: the major source of hazardous waste in the EU
   
• Households: Small haz waste, e.g. paints, herbicides, white spirit & batteries - containing specific substances like:
  • POP’s
  • Heavy metals
  • Molecules causing cancers or foetal malformations or that result in the destruction of biodiversity

Why manage hazardous substances & contaminants in waste separately?

Appropriate treatment minimizes risks:

• Decontamination of haz waste
  • Full destruction of contaminants thanks to dedicated procedures, infrastructures & technologies
• Recovery of valuable materials through safe recycling & treatment
  • The right level of protection & the highest quality of decontaminated materials

What characterises specialised treatment of hazardous waste?  

• A facility designed for the purpose & dedicated to it
  • Correct & compatible wastes storage
  • Secured & controlled waste treatment facilities
     
• Understanding of the composition of the waste, its value, hazardousness and risks
  • Making the right choices for treatment: maximising recovery, controlling risk
     
• Safe & correct handling/treatment by highly-skilled workforce
  • Controlling risk
  • Maximising recovery
  • Minimising emissions
     
• Full traceability in 2 directions: to waste producers & final treatment