Chapter 2.1 Definitions and Classifications

Chapter 2.1 Definitions and classifications

Notes on this chapter

This chapter examines an important element of a hazardous waste management system: that of a legal definition. The definition is needed to ensure control over waste transport, treatment and disposal, as well as ensuring that appropriate management options are selected for a particular waste.

The chapter describes some common systems and conventions concerning waste classification that are in use around the world, and helps to set the backdrop to many of the chapters which follow. It also sets out the lack of consistent definitions.

The purpose of this chapter is to encourage the adoption of consistent and clear hazardous waste definitions in order to facilitate the development of hazardous waste management strategies which are robust and which limit evasion, as well as allowing for new waste types to be included as they arise.

Overheads in this chapter highlight some of the major sources of definitions, and the inconsistencies, but the trainer should encourage the adoption of the Basel Convention definitions to promote international consistency.

The topic of definitions may appear to be dry and academic, but its importance cannot be stressed too strongly. Trainers are encouraged to try to enliven the material in this chapter with practical examples, perhaps involving waste practitioners or representatives from industry sectors, to help their students understand the practical realities.

Further options for training exercises can be found in some of the UNEP manuals, for example.

List of slides

Title slide Slide 2 General definition Slide 3 Why definition is difficult Slide 4 Examples of hazardous waste definitions: Basel Convention Slide 5 Examples of hazardous waste definitions: UNEP Slide 6 Examples of hazardous waste definitions: USA Slide 7 Examples of hazardous waste definitions: European Waste Catalogue Slide 8 The objective of definitions Slide 9 Different methods of classification Slide 10 Methods of waste classification: by origin Slide 11 Example of waste classification by origin: Basel Slide 12 Methods of waste classification: by hazardous characteristics Slide 13 Hazardous characteristics: Toxicity Slide 14 Hazardous characteristics: Corrosivity

TRP Chapter 2.1 1 Slide 15 Hazardous characteristics: Ignitability Slide 16 Hazardous characteristics: Reactivity Slide 17 Hazardous characteristics: Eco-toxicity Slide 18 Methods of waste classification: by chemical, biological and physical properties Slide 19 Relative composition of hazardous waste types by region Slide 20 Exclusions from control systems Slide 21 Summary

Background notes

1Both for practical handling reasons and to be able to implement regulatory requirements, it is necessary to introduce a simple system of classification of waste types and sources. Various handling requirements, restrictions, fee structures and other conditions are commonly based on the position in such a schedule or list a waste material finds itself.

2 Classification can be based on one or more of a number of waste attributes. It may be based on the source or origin, irrespective of what the waste actually contains. Classification based on chemical, physical or biological properties of the waste is more rigorous but requires detailed testing of the material in order to identify it. If the objective is to calculate the size of treatment facilities, a classification based on treatability by one of several common means may be used. Often, for practical reasons, all these criteria may be combined.

3 It is extremely difficult to define a hazardous waste with any precision. While most countries have defined what they consider to be ‘hazardous waste’, those definitions differ in their detail, and while there are similarities, there are also many inconsistencies.

4 Even the terminology differs: some countries use the term ‘hazardous waste’ while in others the terms ‘chemical’, ‘special’, ‘poisonous’, toxic’ or ‘difficult’ are used to describe such wastes.

5 The importance attached to a legal definition of hazardous waste depends both on its purpose and the use that will be made of it. Therefore a range of definitions is possible. The need for a clear-cut definition is greatest if national policy requires that hazardous waste be treated and disposed of separately from non-hazardous waste.

Criteria for defining hazardous wastes

6 Most countries use a definition for hazardous wastes based on three criteria:

 lists of particular types of wastes which are defined as hazardous  lists of industrial processes from which the waste is defined as hazardous These two are absolutes, and do not require testing.

TRP Chapter 2.1 2  In addition, often countries use lists of substances, the presence of which is indicative of potential hazard and which require testing

7 In some cases meeting one or more of these criteria is judged to provide a sufficient definition. In other cases, further reference is made to particular concentration levels or to other criteria.

8 In general terms, any wastes or materials which pose a threat to human health and/or the environment are deemed to be hazardous. Typically this covers chemical and oil by- products which have no useful purpose and which pose a threat when improperly disposed of.

9 The variety and quantity of hazardous wastes being generated are continuing to increase, in part as a result of the range and diversity of industrial processes. This requires a classification system flexible enough to accept new wastes.

Sources of further information

Dean, RB & Wilson, DC (Editors) (1990) Adapting hazardous waste management to the needs of developing countries, Waste Management & Research Vol 8 No 2 March 1990 ISSN 0734-242X

ISWA (1999) International perspectives in hazardous waste management, ISWA Working Group on Hazardous Waste ISBN 87-90402-08-1

ISWA (2000) National Hazardous Waste Management Profiles from ISWA member countries, ISWA Working Group on Hazardous Waste ISBN 87-90402-13-8

UNEP (1991) Hazardous waste policies and strategies – a training manual, Technical report No 10 UNEP Industry & Environment Programme Activity Centre & Environmental Education & Training Unit, Paris ISBN 92-807-1311-6

Web sites

United Nations Environment Programme, Division of Technology, Industry and Economics www.uneptie.org

The Basel Convention www.basel.int

European Waste Catalogue www.europa.eu.int/comm/environment/impel/wastelst.htm

Handouts

1. European Waste Catalogue

TRP Chapter 2.1 3