What is hazardous waste? Definition and characteristics

Hazardous waste includes all Waste which, due to its properties, origin and chemical composition, poses a serious hazard pose a risk to the health or lives of people and other living beings, or to the environment.

The Waste Act and Regulation (EU) No 1357/2014 contain a detailed definition of hazardous waste, according to which all waste exhibiting at least one of the following characteristics is deemed to be hazardous waste:

  • explosive,
  • fire-promoting,
  • flammable,
  • irritating (to the skin and eyes),
  • Specific Target Organ Toxicity (STOT)/Inhalation Toxicity
  • acute toxicity,
  • carcinogenic,
  • annoying,
  • infectious,
  • toxic to reproduction,
  • mutagenic,
  • Release of an acutely toxic gas,
  • sensitising and/or
  • ecotoxic

Types and examples of hazardous waste

Hazardous waste can be generated both in businesses (e.g. as a by-product of various production and technological processes) and in households. This includes, amongst other things:

  • Batteries and rechargeable batteries,
  • Plant protection products,
  • expired medicines,
  • Paints and solvents,
  • Asbestos removal from roofs,
  • Oils and fats,
  • Electrical waste and
  • contaminated soil.

All types of hazardous waste are listed in the waste catalogue. This classifies waste according to its origin and properties, in particular its hazardous characteristics. Hazardous waste is found in all waste categories listed in the directory and are clearly labelled with the relevant waste code.

Rules for the handling of hazardous waste

The most important rules for handling hazardous waste within a company include:

  1. Prohibition on the mixing of different types of hazardous waste,
  2. Prohibition on mixing hazardous waste with non-hazardous types of waste and
  3. Prohibition on the dilution of hazardous substances.

Failure to comply with these regulations on the management of hazardous waste may result in a fine being imposed on the producer.

Furthermore, under Austrian waste management legislation, companies that generate more than 1,000 kg of hazardous waste (e.g. waste oil or lubricants) annually in the course of their business activities must comply with specific waste management obligations.

Exception: „Medical waste“: In Austria, clinical waste is classified in accordance with the provisions of the 2020 Waste Catalogue Regulation and, in particular, in accordance with ÖNORM S 2104 „Waste from the medical sector“, as set out in Annex 6 to that Regulation. ÖNORM S 2104 distinguishes, in particular, between waste posing no specific hazard, waste that poses a risk of infection or injury only within the medical sector, and waste that also poses a risk outside the medical sector and therefore requires special treatment. Medical waste is therefore not automatically classified as hazardous waste.

Storage and disposal of hazardous waste

Hazardous waste generated by the company must be stored, disposed of or recycled in accordance with the regulations. It is subject to the prohibition on mixing, i.e. it may only be disposed of in the containers intended for that purpose (e.g. special waste containers such as ASP).

The storage of hazardous waste is subject to strict restrictions. As a general rule, waste may only be stored for as long as is necessary for technical or organisational reasons. The provisions of the Waste Management Act 2002 (AWG 2002) apply to temporary storage. Storage for disposal is, as a general rule, limited to a maximum of one year, whilst storage for recovery is limited to a maximum of three years.

Record-keeping obligation – who is required to comply?

The fact that a business generates hazardous waste means that it is obliged to register as a producer of hazardous waste in the EDM Register and to apply for a GLN number. It must then keep qualitative and quantitative records of the waste generated and transferred. The consignment note contains, amongst other things, information on:

  • the company that delivers, transports and receives hazardous waste,
  • the origin of the waste,
  • the volume/mass of waste, as well as
  • the type of waste and its description, including the waste code number.

The waste recipient must check this information.

Collection and disposal of hazardous waste

Only companies that meet certain requirements are authorised to provide this type of service.

Order a professional hazardous waste disposal service for your business!

Hazardous waste can be disposed of by thermal treatment (incineration at 850–1100 °C), by autoclaving (neutralisation of medical waste in a steam steriliser), by microwave treatment using suitable radiation, or by chemical treatment (chlorine disinfection). Prior to final disposal, hazardous waste is also subjected to other processes, such as the recovery of certain materials and raw materials, neutralisation or recycling.

The legal obligations of producers of hazardous waste include the proper handover this waste to an authorised waste collector or treatment operator such as Interzero.

Simple and fast hazardous waste management with the Interzero Waste Management Platform

Complying with a company’s obligations regarding the disposal of hazardous waste is costly and time-consuming. The Interzero Waste Management Platform enables companies to streamline these processes. The platform facilitates the centralised recording, control and automation of all processes relating to the logistics and management of hazardous waste.

Using the Interzero WMP:

  • you can arrange for the collection of hazardous waste and draw up a collection schedule
  • you can generate reports to monitor the costs and efficiency of your company’s overall waste management
  • Organise your company’s entire environmental documentation professionally by storing all data in a single digital location

Interzero WMP enables the management of hazardous waste from any location and on any device with internet access. You carry out all activities relating to the registration of hazardous waste via the platform dashboard – quick, convenient and with support from Interzero experts.

With Interzero’s digital waste platform, you can manage not only hazardous waste but also other waste streams, as well as your entire waste management process. Find out how Interzero’s waste management platform can improve waste management at your organisation.