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Hazardous waste is a waste that has properties that make it dangerous to human health or the environment. Hazardous waste is defined by the Environmental Management And Co-ordination (Waste Management) Regulations, 2006. Regulations pertaining to the handling of hazardous wastes are outlined in the Waste Management Regulations and the National Sustainable Waste Management Policy, 2022.
How is Hazardous Waste Defined?
Hazardous waste is defined by the fourth and fifth schedules of the Waste Management Regulations (2006). The fourth schedule defines a wide range of wastes that are considered hazardous based on the of the source of the waste generation, or concentrations of specific chemical compounds found in the waste. Examples of hazardous waste defined by the fourth schedule include, but are not limited to; waste pharmaceuticals, waste oily water mixtures, wastes generated from wood preserving, wastes containing asbestos fibers, and wastes containing more than 0.1% lead by weight.
The fifth schedule outlines characteristics of hazardous waste as defined by the twelve classes of dangerous goods outlined by the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods. Commonly encountered characteristics include, but are not limited to; explosiveness, flammability, corrosivity, toxicity, infectiousness, radioactivity, and persistence in the environment.
What are the Responsibilities of Hazardous Waste Generators?
Hazardous waste generators are expected to collect, segregate, and dispose of waste as outlined in the Waste Management Regulations. This includes:
Reducing the amount of waste generated by constantly improving production methods.
Developing and implementing a three-year waste management plan.
Submitting an annual waste monitoring report.
Transporting waste using only licensed waste transporters.
Disposing of waste in a licensed disposal facilities, only.
Having a valid Environmental Impact Assessment License.
Ensuring that the hazardous waste is adequately labelled, with contents and associated hazards, in both English and Kiswahili.
Cleaning up and restoring the site it was using to its natural state.
A person who discharges waste contrary to the provisions of the Act may be liable to fine of up to five million shillings, or imprisonment, for a term not exceeding six months, or both.
Park Environmental
can ensure that you are managing your hazardous waste in accordance with the law and environmental best practices by:
Identifying and classifying your hazardous and non-hazardous waste streams.
Developing progams to treating, or stabilize, your hazardous waste.
Developing and implementing waste management plans.
Preparing annual waste monitoring reports.
Assisting with permitting and licensing.
Investigating and restoring your current dump sites to their natural state.
Contact us today to discuss your environmental sustainability goals,
Nathan Park M.Sc. PChem. P.Ag. (BC, Canada)
C: 254.746.064.040 (Kenya) | npark@parkenvironmental.com
C: 604.364.1945 (Canada) | www.parkenvironmental.com
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