It is an industrial era and industrial businesses can be found anywhere these days. With new industrial setups comes the issue of waste management and out of the various types of waste generated in these industries, hazardous waste is a prominent problem. It opens doors for businesses to set up hazardous waste recycling and pre-processing units. It not only provides attractive financial benefits to businesses but also helps in dealing with waste management problems across the country while assisting us in fighting environmental pollution. These practices help India move further toward a better economy while considering sustainable development goals. Apart from the business perspective, environmentally friendly waste management is also necessary as a part of fulfilling the compliance attached to various industrial setups in India.
What are Hazardous Waste Recycling and Pre-processing units?
Hazardous waste is produced as a by-product in various industrial processes including manufacturing, recycling and processing units. Hazardous Waste Recycling and Pre-processing Units collect these hazardous wastes from the origin following strict rules as prescribed by the Central Pollution Control Board. Further, the hazardous waste pre-processing units process this collected hazardous waste to extract reusable materials and treat the residues for safe and environmentally friendly disposal.
The definition of hazardous waste includes materials exhibiting characteristics such as physical, chemical, biological, reactive, toxic, flammable, explosive, or corrosive. These materials, originating from various industrial processes, are classified and specified in Schedules I, II, and III of the Hazardous Waste Management Rules of 2016. The sources of hazardous waste encompass diverse industrial activities, resulting in 128 listed hazardous wastes categorized into thirty-eight groups based on the source process. These materials comprise sludges, chemicals, residues, and other harmful substances.