A guide to on-site hazardous waste classification

On-site classification is the first and most important step in hazardous waste management, enabling safe storage, correct transport and effective treatment.

Businesses should provide dedicated storage areas, label by hazardous waste code and equip spill response tools.

Training staff to recognise and correctly classify waste is decisive in avoiding legal and safety risks.

Each hazardous waste type requires different storage conditions: solvents need well-ventilated areas away from heat; acids/alkalis need corrosion-resistant containers and separate zones; hazardous medical waste requires yellow lidded bins.