Unit 5:Monitoring WastesIntroductionWaste minimisation strategies have already been covered in Improvement Strategy Level 4, and it would be useful to read this section of the module. In this unit you will be looking at ways in which wastes can be monitored on site as part of an overall improvement strategy or to simply identify opportunities for minimising waste. The first step in monitoring solid waste is in the identification of the source of each waste generated. The information required is on the nature of the waste itself, the amount, the frequency of waste arising, what the waste is stored in (drums, skips etc) the storage location and the storage conditions/nature of storage. This can be undertaken as part of an initial environmental review, although companies requiring more detail / wishing to implement a waste minimisation strategy should ideally undertake a waste audit- which will identify all sources and amounts of wastes generated, and identify legal compliance with relevant environmental legislation. The scope of the audit can also be broad to encompass waste energy, although many companies may wish to tackle this as a separate issue. (See Unit 6). Solid, semi-solid and liquid wastes need to be fully described by the company producing that waste. The description needs to take account of the chemical composition of the waste, its physical properties and fits level of toxicity. This will achieve the following:
The information listed above should be maintained for all wastes. A company may find that certain wastes do not vary, whilst others display great variation. Perhaps the best means by which waste can be monitored and a monitoring regime/improvemen strategy for the long-term minimisation of waste implemented, is through undertaking a waste audit.
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