Waste Hierarchy: Prioritising Sustainable Waste Management

Waste Hierarchy: A Guide to Managing Hazardous Waste Responsibly

The Waste Hierarchy is a vital framework in UK waste management, ranking the preferred methods for handling waste based on environmental impact. At Rubo, we follow this hierarchy to ensure that hazardous waste is managed sustainably, legally, and in compliance with UK regulations. By adhering to the Waste Hierarchy, your business can minimise waste, reduce environmental harm, and meet legal obligations.

What is the Waste Hierarchy?

The Waste Hierarchy prioritises the most environmentally friendly waste management options, starting with prevention and moving down to disposal as a last resort. The five key stages of the hierarchy are:

1. Prevention: The most effective way to manage waste is to prevent it from being created in the first place. This could involve using fewer hazardous materials or finding alternatives that generate less waste.

2. Reuse: Reusing materials where possible is the next best option. For hazardous waste, this might include finding ways to reuse containers or materials before they become waste.

3. Recycling: Recycling hazardous materials ensures that valuable components can be recovered and reused in new products, reducing the need for raw materials.

4. Recovery: If recycling isn’t possible, recovering energy from hazardous waste through processes like incineration can be a viable option.

5. Disposal: Disposal is the least preferred option but is necessary for certain hazardous wastes. This involves safe methods such as landfilling, but only after all other options have been explored.

By following these principles, Rubo ensures that your hazardous waste is managed with minimal environmental impact.

How Rubo Helps Your Business with Waste Hierarchy Compliance

At Rubo, we specialise in helping businesses reduce their hazardous waste footprint while maintaining full compliance with UK regulations, including the Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011. Our services cover all stages of the Waste Hierarchy, ensuring your waste is handled sustainably:

• Waste Reduction: We help you identify areas where hazardous waste can be minimised, improving efficiency and reducing costs.

• Reuse and Recycling: We work with you to find ways to reuse materials and recycle hazardous components where possible, supporting a circular economy.

• Safe Disposal: When disposal is necessary, Rubo ensures that your waste is handled in compliance with all legal requirements, including hazardous waste consignment notes and proper disposal methods.

Why is Waste Hierarchy Important for Hazardous Waste?

Hazardous waste presents significant risks to both human health and the environment. The Waste Hierarchy helps reduce these risks by encouraging businesses to minimise waste production and prioritise safer methods like recycling and recovery. Compliance with the Waste Hierarchy is not only good for the environment but also a legal requirement for businesses managing hazardous waste in the UK.

What Are Waste Disposal and Recovery Codes?

Waste disposal and recovery codes are essential for categorising waste and determining the most appropriate treatment and recovery options. Rubo ensures that every type of waste we manage is assigned the correct code, in compliance with UK and EU regulations.

Common Disposal Codes (D-Codes) include:

• D1: Deposit into or onto land (e.g., landfill)

• D9: Physico-chemical treatment

• D10: Incineration on land

• D15: Storage pending any of the other disposal operations

Common Recovery Codes (R-Codes) include:

• R1: Use as a fuel or other means to generate energy

• R4: Recycling of metals and metal compounds

• R5: Recycling of inorganic materials

• R9: Oil re-refining or other reuse of oil

• R13: Storage of waste pending recovery operations

Our knowledgeable team ensures that your hazardous waste is handled in accordance with the appropriate disposal and recovery codes, optimising recycling and recovery wherever possible to reduce environmental impact.

Trust Rubo for Compliant Hazardous Waste Management

Rubo is your expert partner for hazardous waste management, helping your business meet all legal and environmental requirements. We offer tailored waste management solutions, from collection and transport to disposal and recycling, always with a focus on sustainability and compliance.

Contact us today to learn how we can support your hazardous waste management needs while ensuring compliance with the Waste Hierarchy.