Safety – Toolbox Talk

WASTE SEGREGATIONThe segregation of waste produced into: hazardous, non-hazardous and inert waste types for disposal can help reduce costs and maximise the opportunities for recovery and recycling of the waste.

When disposing of waste look out for the following standard signs on waste containers, which are being introduced across the UK to both encourage and improve the segregation of waste.

By doing this we hope to be able to:

Avoid prosecution: its illegal to mix hazardous waste with other types of waste that are to be sent directly to landfill. You could be fined up to £20,000 and imprisoned for up to 2 years.Avoid environmental harm: incorrectly disposing of hazardous waste could potentially create water pollution and damage habitats. Landfills and waste treatment centres are specially designed to be able to handle specific wastes without causing environmental harm.Reduce costs: segregating wastes can minimise landfill tax and can allow certain types of waste to be recycled and reused onsite.

DO: Look out for the standards signs on skips and containers and where possible

segregate waste. Use enclosed skips or covered skips for wastes that are likely to blow around

site in windy conditions Ask your supervisor for advice if unsure about the correct waste segregation on

site.

DON’T:Overfill waste containers and skips.Mix different types of waste.Put liquids and flammable wastes into skips.

© A J Burgess 2009

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