Large volumes of liquid waste can be difficult to manage with standard workplace processes, particularly when the waste is contaminated, stored in tanks or produced faster than it can be handled on site.
If your business generates liquid waste that is difficult to manage internally, you may need professional removal.
So, how do you know when bringing in a specialist is the right option, and what should you consider before arranging a service?
The amount of waste your business produces is one of the first things to consider. If tanks, pits or other storage areas are filling quickly, you may need a collection service before they reach capacity.
This is particularly important for businesses that generate waste continuously or experience periods of higher production. Seasonal activity, maintenance or unexpected events can also increase the amount of liquid waste on site.
Keeping track of how quickly it accumulates can help you plan collections before storage becomes an urgent issue.
Not all liquid waste can be handled in the same way. A business might produce septic waste, leachate, contaminated water, oily water, wash-down water or other industrial liquids, and each may have different handling and treatment requirements depending on their contents.
If you are unsure what a waste contains, or whether different liquids can be combined, getting advice before arranging collection can help avoid problems later.
Liquid waste needs to be stored securely and in a location that allows it to be collected safely.
Look at where the waste is held, how much is present and how a collection vehicle will reach the storage area. Tanks and pits may be straightforward to access, while some sites have restricted entry or other conditions that need to be considered.
Keeping different waste streams separate where necessary can also make treatment or recovery easier.
Before collection, it can also help to have basic information about the waste available. Let the provider know what the liquid is, where it is stored, the approximate volume and any site access restrictions. If the waste has come from a particular process, explaining how it was generated can also help the provider determine the most suitable equipment and handling approach.
A specialist liquid waste provider can use vacuum equipment and tankers suited to the volume and conditions at your site. This equipment can be particularly useful when liquid needs to be removed from tanks, pits or other areas that are difficult to access.
For larger jobs, an appropriately sized tanker can reduce the number of collections required and make the removal process more straightforward.
The right equipment can help minimise disruption to normal business operations.
Removal is only one part of the process. Once liquid waste has been collected, it needs to be transported and directed to a suitable treatment, recovery or disposal facility based on what it contains.
Some waste streams can be processed for resource recovery. Oily water, for example, can be processed to separate oil and other contaminants from the water component. Other materials may require a different treatment or disposal pathway.
Choosing a liquid waste provider is about more than finding someone who can empty a tank. Before arranging a service, make sure you understand how the waste will be transported and where it will be taken.
You can also check that the provider has experience with the type of waste your business produces and can accommodate the volume and access conditions at your site. Having this information upfront can help you understand what the service involves and whether the proposed collection solution is suitable for your business.
Government regulations may also affect how different liquid waste streams need to be handled and transported.
It can also be useful to know what documentation is provided after collection. Keeping this information can make it easier to maintain your own business records.
If your business regularly produces significant amounts of liquid waste, make removal part of your normal waste planning rather than waiting for storage to become full.
Planning collections in advance can make it easier to organise a service when you need one and reduce disruption to your normal business operations.
For businesses across Northern NSW, Summerland Environmental can help assess your requirements and determine a suitable collection solution.
If you have a large volume of liquid waste to manage, Summerland Environmental can help you work out the most suitable collection and tanker option for your site.
Contact our team to find out how we can help.