How Waste Should Be Stored Prior to Collection?

Implementing proper waste storage protocols is essential for a sustainable and responsible waste management system. It all starts with appropriate storage practices. Before waste reaches landfills, recycling centres, or treatment facilities, it must be stored safely, hygienically, and in an environmentally responsible manner.

The right storage not only ensures safety and sanitation but also helps protect the environment and maintain compliance with local regulations. If you neglect employing appropriate waste storage techniques, it can result in severe issues such as:

Pest infestations (e.g., rodents, insects)
Bad odours and impure surroundings
Water and air pollution
Legal fines or health code violations

No matter if you are managing your household waste, commercial waste, or industrial waste, knowing how to store it properly is key to responsible waste management. This comprehensive guide provides all the crucial info to help you understand and implement the approved methods for storing waste effectively in any setting.

Helpful Tips for Storing Your Waste Safely Before Collection

To ensure your waste is stored safely and responsibly before it is collected, you can follow a few helpful tips that are given below:

1. Secure Containment

Use appropriate containers: Choose containers that are durable, watertight, and weather-resistant, suitable for the type of waste you want to store.
Label containers clearly: Clearly label containers with the waste type they contain to avoid accidental mixing of incompatible materials.
Consider bulk containers: For bagged waste, consider using fully enclosed, lockable, and weather-proof containers that can store bulk quantities.
Secure containers on pallets: If using pallets, make sure containers are stable, securely wrapped with shrink wrap, and don’t extend beyond the pallet edges.
Separate and segregate: Keep incompatible waste streams segregated to prevent hazardous reactions.

2. Protection from the Elements

Store waste under cover: Protect waste from rain, wind, and extreme temperatures to prevent impurity and degradation.
Use waterproof covers: When storing waste outdoors, use waterproof covers or tarpaulins to prevent runoff into drains or waterways.
Ensure proper drainage: Store waste on an impermeable surface with a bund (a low wall or barrier) to contain any potential spills or leaks.

3. Prevention of Escape and Hazards

Prevent waste from blowing away: Secure containers and cover waste to stop it from being scattered by the wind.
Keep surroundings unobstructed: Keep the waste storage area tidy and unobstructed to avoid tripping hazards and enable easy access.
Ensure safe access: Maintain clear pathways for waste collection and inspection.
Consider fire safety: Store flammable materials away from potential ignition sources and ensure adequate fire suppression systems are in place.

4. Regular Inspections and Maintenance

Inspect storage areas regularly: Conduct regular examinations to identify and address any potential issues such as seepages, spills, or damaged containers.
Respond to spills promptly: Clean up spills instantly and dispose of dirty materials properly.
Maintain equipment: Regularly inspect and maintain waste storage containers, covers, and other equipment.

5. Special Considerations for Hazardous Waste

Segregate hazardous waste: Keep hazardous wastes separate to prevent dangerous reactions.
Store hazardous waste securely: Follow specific guidelines for storing hazardous waste, including proper labelling, containment, and ventilation.
Consider dedicated storage areas: For hazardous waste containing free liquids, consider storing it in a dedicated area with self-contained drainage.
Handle sharps carefully: Store sharps in appropriate, puncture-resistant containers and follow safe handling procedures.

6. Location and Accessibility

Consider location: Locate waste storage areas away from windows, vents, and places where people or vehicles pass.
Ensure accessibility: Make sure waste bins are easy to reach for collection, but also think about the potential impact of collection trucks.
Avoid obstructions: Do not block access to building entrances or create hazards for pedestrians or vehicles.

By following these guidelines, businesses and individuals can store waste safely and responsibly. This helps protect the environment and makes waste management more effortless.

Additional Considerations

Liquid Waste: Drain and clean containers that previously held liquid waste before compacting or storing them.
Paper and Cardboard: Keep paper and cardboard dry to prevent run-off.
Baled Materials: Stack baled materials securely and handle them with care.
Chemical Waste: Store chemical waste in sealed, covered containers, especially those that are susceptible to self-heating or reactivity.
Ventilation: Ensure sufficient ventilation in storage areas, particularly for covered containers.
Access: Make storage areas accessible for waste producers and collectors, taking into consideration the needs of older individuals and those with disabilities.
Hygiene: Maintain high hygiene standards in waste storage areas and keep these areas clearly designated.
Pest Control: Prevent pests and vermin from accessing waste by keeping containers closed and waste appropriately stored.
Lighting: Ensure sufficient lighting in enclosed storage areas.
Height: Ensure waste storage areas are of adequate height to allow for the easy opening of container lids.
Skips: Position skips appropriately, away from buildings and with adequate clearance.
Commercial and Residential Waste Areas: Separate waste storage areas for commercial and residential use in mixed developments.

Essential Gear Needed for Effective Waste Storage

Effective waste storage depends on a combination of suitable containers, safety equipment, and possibly volume reduction tools. Key gear includes:

Bins and Containers

Wheelie bins and commercial bins: Important for collecting and sorting waste early, available in various sizes and materials.
Dedicated waste bins and bags: Using labelled containers for different waste types (like recycling and trash) helps proper sorting and reduces risks.
Enclosed, lockable, and leak-proof bulk containers: For storing bagged waste, ensuring containment, and preventing spills.
Compactors: Decrease waste volume to reduce the requirement of how often it needs to be collected and how much space it takes.
Balers: Compress recyclables into bales for easier storage, handling, and transportation.

Specialised Equipment

Skips: Use open skips for general waste, builder’s skips for heavier materials, and enclosed skips with lockable lids for hazardous waste.
Underground storage: A space-saving and aesthetically pleasing option to store waste.
Bulker trailers: Used for transporting large amounts of waste, especially construction debris and recyclables.
Bin presses: Compress waste in bins to save space and reduce how often waste needs to be collected.

Safety and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Coveralls, gloves, boots, and respirators: Protect workers from potential hazards during waste handling and disposal.
Eye and head protection: Safety glasses, goggles, and hard hats are crucial for preventing injuries.
Hearing protection: Earplugs or earmuffs may be necessary in noisy environments.

Types of Waste That Should Be Safely Stored

Different types of waste require specific storage methods before collection to ensure safety and prevent environmental damage. Generally, waste should be stored in designated containers, separated by type, and kept secure and leak-proof. Hazardous waste, including items, like chemicals, batteries, and asbestos, must be stored separately and handled with extra precautions.

Hazardous Waste

This includes materials unsafe to human health or the environment, such as chemicals, batteries, asbestos, and certain types of electronic equipment. Hazardous waste must be stored in sealed, labelled containers and kept separate from non-hazardous waste. Bunds or barriers should be used for storing dangerous liquid waste and containing spills and leaks.

Healthcare Waste

This category includes items, like pharmaceutical waste, anatomical waste, and infectious waste. Healthcare waste needs to be stored safely, with some types, like anatomical waste, kept in refrigerated units.

Liquid Waste

Liquid waste, such as oil and chemicals, should be stored in sealed containers and designated areas with barriers to prevent spills.

Recyclable Waste

Different types of recyclable materials, such as paper, plastics, glass, and metals, should be stored separately in designated containers.

Organic Waste

Food waste should be stored in sealed containers to prevent odours and pest issues. This practice helps maintain hygiene and keeps the environment clean and pest-free.

Construction and Demolition Waste

This type of waste may include materials such as concrete, wood, and metal, which should be stored in designated areas and separated as needed.

General Waste

Even though it doesn’t need the same careful storage as hazardous or recyclable waste, general waste should still be stored in suitable containers and kept separate from recyclable materials.

Wrapping Up!

Proper waste management before collection is essential for a healthy environment and community. Storing waste properly before collection is not just about keeping places clean; it also helps protect public health and support sustainable living. Whether at home, in a business, or on construction sites, following best practices ensures waste is stored safely and correctly.

By organising waste containers, following local rules, and being aware of different waste types, you can help reduce pollution, save natural resources, and keep neighbourhoods clean and safe. When you take responsibility for waste management, we’re working together to create a greener future for everyone.