Waste and environmental protection Toolbox Talk
Poor waste control causes injury, fire, pollution and unlawful disposal. Segregate materials at source and use only the site’s approved storage and removal routes.
Key points
- Follow the site waste plan and separate designated waste streams.
- Identify hazardous waste such as oils, chemicals, contaminated absorbents and some batteries.
- Use labelled, compatible, closed containers and secondary containment.
- Keep waste away from drains, ignition sources and escape routes.
- Prevent dust, litter, slurry and washout entering land or water.
- Use authorised carriers and retain required transfer or consignment records.
- Report spills immediately and deploy drain protection where safe.
Do
- Reduce and reuse before disposal.
- Check container compatibility.
- Keep spill kits accessible.
Don't
- Do not mix unknown or incompatible wastes.
- Do not burn or bury waste.
- Do not wash cement, paint or chemicals into drains.
Questions to ask the group
- Which waste streams will this task create?
- Where are they stored?
- What is the spill-reporting route?
References: Environmental Protection Act 1990; Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011