Managing liquid waste is an important responsibility for any business that generates it. Whether it comes from day-to-day operations, cleaning, maintenance or industrial processes, it needs to be stored, collected and disposed of in the right way. Getting it wrong can create environmental and workplace risks, as well as potential compliance issues.
The good news is that businesses do not have to manage the entire process themselves. Good liquid waste disposal starts with understanding what you produce, knowing the rules that apply and having a reliable arrangement for collection and treatment. Summerland Environmental provides liquid waste services for commercial and industrial customers across Northern NSW.
Before arranging collection, it is important to know what the waste contains and where it comes from. This could include septic waste, grease trap waste, waste oil, chemical waste, leachate or contaminated water.
NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) requirements classify waste according to the risks it presents to human health and the environment. Businesses are responsible for correctly classifying the waste they produce, and it must be taken to a facility authorised to receive it. If you are unsure how a particular type of waste should be handled, seek professional advice before arranging disposal.
One of the biggest risks of poor liquid waste disposal is environmental contamination. An unauthorised discharge can affect soil and waterways, depending on what the waste contains.
Liquid waste should never be poured into a stormwater drain or discharged onto land, and discharging wastewater to a sewer may require approval from the relevant water or sewerage provider.
Storage is important too. Tanks and containers should be suitable for what they hold, kept in good condition and checked regularly for damage or leaks. Appropriate containment can also help limit the spread of waste.
Employees can come into contact with contaminated or hazardous waste while it is being stored, pumped, transferred or cleaned up.
Businesses should make sure workers understand the hazards involved and have the right procedures, equipment and training in place. This should include clear instructions for responding to spills and other incidents.
For businesses that regularly arrange collection, using a professional provider can reduce employee exposure. Trained operators with the right equipment can remove waste without requiring staff to carry out potentially hazardous work themselves.
The requirements for liquid waste vary depending on the type of waste, where it is taken and how it is transported or treated. Some hazardous and liquid wastes are subject to additional controls, while certain liquid wastes must be tracked during transport.
The NSW EPA places responsibilities on waste generators, transporters and receiving facilities to ensure that waste is handled appropriately and taken to a place that can legally receive it. It is not enough to find someone who is willing to take your waste. You also need to know how it is being transported and that it is being disposed of legally.
When choosing a liquid waste removal provider, look beyond the collection itself. Check that the provider has the equipment, experience, permits and licences needed to handle your type of waste and that they are able to take it to an authorised facility.
Summerland Environmental specialises in collecting, transporting and processing liquid waste from domestic, commercial and industrial customers. Our services include chemical waste, grease trap waste, septic waste and waste oil, as well as vacuum excavation and vacuum tanker hire.
Moving liquid waste off your premises is only part of the job. Depending on what it contains, the waste may need to be treated, processed, recovered or disposed of at a suitable facility.
Liquid waste treatment can prepare some types of waste for further processing, recovery or disposal. The right approach depends on the type of waste, so every liquid waste cannot be handled in the same way.
Using a provider that can manage collection and processing will give you greater confidence that your waste is being dealt with properly after it leaves your site.
Good waste management should not depend on someone noticing that a tank is full or a problem has already occurred. Businesses that regularly produce liquid waste should have a clear arrangement for storage, collection and record keeping.
Keep an eye on how much waste you produce and whether your collection schedule is working. Check storage areas for damage or leaks, make sure that your staff know how the waste should be handled and keep relevant service and disposal records.
Review your current setup when your business changes, as a new process, chemical or cleaning method could change the type or amount of waste that you produce.
Getting liquid waste management right can help protect your staff, the environment and your business. By understanding your responsibilities and using a provider you can rely on, you can avoid many of the problems that come with poor handling or disposal.
For businesses across Northern NSW, Summerland Environmental provides commercial and industrial liquid waste services to keep waste collection, treatment and disposal on track.
If your business needs liquid waste removal, treatment or disposal, contact Summerland Environmental to discuss your requirements and find out how our team can help you.