What is Hazardous Waste?

 

What is Hazardous Waste?

Hazardous waste refers to any waste material that is potentially dangerous or harmful to human health or the environment. These wastes can be liquid, solid, sludge, or contained gases and may come from industrial, chemical, manufacturing, or healthcare processes.

Characteristics of Hazardous Waste:

• Toxic (poisonous to humans/animals)

• Corrosive (e.g., strong acids or bases)

• Reactive (may explode or produce toxic gases)

• Ignitable (can catch fire easily)

Examples include:

• Paints and solvents

• Pesticides and chemicals

• Battery waste

• Biomedical waste

• Industrial effluents

Regulatory Compliance in India

India has specific laws and rules for the management, handling, storage, transport, and disposal of hazardous waste. These are governed mainly by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Key Laws and Rules:

1. Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016

   • Primary regulation for hazardous waste management.

   • Covers generation, treatment, storage, import/export, and disposal of hazardous waste.

   • Industries must obtain authorization from the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB).

2. Environment (Protection) Act, 1986

   • Umbrella act empowering the central government to make rules on environmental protection, including hazardous waste.

3. Factories Act, 1948

   • Requires proper storage and handling of hazardous substances in factories.

4. Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991

   • Industries dealing with hazardous substances must insure against accidents.

5. Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016 -Specific to hazardous waste from healthcare and hospitals.

Compliance Requirements for Industries:

• Authorization from SPCB for handling hazardous waste.

• Labeling and safe storage of waste materials.

• Manifest system (tracking from generation to disposal).

• Annual return filing for waste quantities handled.

• Use only authorized transporters and disposal facilities.

• Maintain records for inspections.

• Emergency preparedness plans and training for workers.

Penalties for Non-Compliance:

• Heavy fines

• Closure of business

• Legal action under Environmental Protection Act