RISK MANAGEMENT OF HAZARDOUS SOLID WASTES BY HAZARDOUS PROPERTY INCLUDING MERCURY CONTAINING WASTES

Abstract

The classification of waste is complex. Once detailed chemical composition, and in some cases speciation testing has been completed, the chemicals present are checked either as hazardous chemicals or persistent organic pollutants (POPs). However, detailed waste characterisation data can be used to support onward management of wastes, including hazardous wastes. A process management flowchart has been compiled using data from twelve waste streams. Specifically, for hazardous waste, the proposed approach can be used to firstly identify how a potential hazard may be eliminated using specific treatment scenarios. Secondly risk mitigation strategies are provided to reduce risks during short-term management of transportation, preparation and processing of wastes. Finally, the approach highlights how waste characterisation data can be used to guide the long-term management of hazardous waste. For non-hazardous waste a risk approach generates case specific permissible concentration limits. Hazardous waste management by risk is proposed, either for short-term operations, or during the recycling loops. The wastes containing “legacy” banned substances must be phased out. But the wastes with hazardous compounds at hazardous concentration should be recycled in controlled recycling loop. They should be managed during the loop by a risk approach, like the products they were and the products that they will become, per risk according to REACH. A worked example of this approach to mercury containing waste by hazard and by risk is presented, using leaching data (risk) to prevent groundwater contamination by mine tailings using reverse modelling, proposed to the conference of the UN Minamata Convention.