Waste materials are definitely not created equal. To differentiate the various classifications chemical analysis is necessary. Depending on the specific contaminant concentrations (SCC) and the leaching concentration as per results of the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) waste may be classified as general solid waste (putrescible), general solid waste (non-putrescible), restricted solid waste, hazardous waste, liquid waste, special waste, excavated natural material, and virgin excavated natural material.
The focus of this article is restricted solid waste and it is the highest classification when it comes to solid waste material. It exceeds one or both of the lower SCC and TCLP but not the upper SCC and TCLP set by the Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC). It’s important to take note of this distinction as there are clear guidelines when it comes to the safe and secure disposal and transport of the different classifications of waste. The minimum standards indicated in these guidelines may apply to restricted solid waste but it does demand stricter requirements than those for general solid waste.
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Recently there have been some changes adopted in relation to the transport of waste by motor vehicle. Generally the disposal facility to where waste is to be taken should be no more than 150 kilometres away from where it was generated. In special cases the distance may exceed 150 kilometres if there is no disposal facility within a 150-kilometre radius of the origin of the waste. This aspect of the legislation alongside other pertinent laws is definitely something that an individual or company with the purpose of transporting waste materials for disposal should know about.
You definitely need a permit to be able to transport restricted solid waste and you should know to dispose of it at the closest lawful disposal facility specifically designed for that particular waste classification. An offence related to this comes with a penalty that could set you back anywhere from $7,500 to $44,000.
To be allowed to transport restricted solid waste for disposal you should find out all the licensing requirements before you submit your application. You need to identify which particular licences you want to apply for. Besides the licence to transport you require a separate licences or permits for premises-based activity and for mobile plant. It benefits you if you go through the Guide to Licensing prepared by the DECC before completing of the forms. If you still need help completing the forms you may contact the Licence Administration and Revenue Unit. Once you’ve filled out and signed the application form send it to the same department unit with a cheque for the applicable fee (usually $400).
Understandably there are restrictions as to who can hold a licence to transport solid waste. It could be an individual, a company, a body corporate or public authority, but not a partnership, trust, or joint-venture name. To be approved, the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) should deem you fit and proper for the job.
Australian Enviro Services is a fully licensed and accredited asbestos removal, waste management and tank removal firm. AES are based in Sydney, but work all over New South Wales and Australia.
We love hearing from people about their industrial and commercial environmental remediation projects: Talk to AES about your project.
