Treatment, Storage, Disposal Facility (TSDF’S)

Hazardous waste is generated by various industries and the same is regulated under the Hazardous Waste Management Rules. The Central Pollution Control Board is the regulated body which keeps an eye on the activities undertaken by businesses regarding hazardous waste and if the same is not in compliance with the rules so prescribed then an action will be taken against your business. To deal with hazardous waste and dispose of it in an environmentally safe and sound manner, TSDFs are established and they need to follow strict regulations that ensure safety while establishing such a plant and operating with hazardous waste in the Treatment Storage and Disposal Facility (TSDF).

What is a TSDF Facility?

Hazardous Waste Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facilities (TSDFs) ease the collection, transport, reception, storage, treatment, and disposal of hazardous wastes in an environmentally friendly manner.

• T stands for Treatment facilities, Treatment facilities use various processes (such as incineration or oxidation) to change the composition of hazardous wastes. A part of the treatment operation enables the hazardous waste to be reclaimed and reused in some other processes, while other treatment operations dramatically reduce the amount of hazardous waste.
• S stands for Storage facilities, Storage facilities temporarily hold hazardous wastes until they are treated or disposed of.
• D stands for Disposal facilities, Disposal facilities permanently contain hazardous wastes. The most common type of disposal facility is a landfill or a junk pile, where hazardous wastes are disposed of in carefully constructed units designed to protect groundwater and surface-water resources.

The treatment, storage, and disposal facility (TSDF) brings the generator and transporter in the chain of waste management activities. The regulations pertaining to TSDFs are stricter as compared to which apply on generators or transporters.

The regulations on hazardous waste and the facility managing hazardous waste include various guidelines. The general facility standards include good housekeeping provisions for the training of personnel, handling of hazardous waste, prevention of accidents, response to emergencies, and maintaining cleanliness etc. The unit-specific technical requirements are designed to prevent the exposure of hazardous waste into the environment. Hazardous Waste possesses materials having poisonous characteristics that can harm the environment as well as living beings. That’s why it is important to treat hazardous waste before disposing of it. Hazardous Waste can be treated by chemical, biological, and physical methods.

TSDF facilities play a crucial role in the waste management chain of the country. Various kinds of waste are generated at many levels and every kind of waste has its way of treatment. Hazardous waste stands out of them all as it possesses the potential to contaminate the surroundings and pollute the environment with toxic substances and hence the same has to be dealt with proper caution and care. Hazardous Waste Management Rules prescribe the establishment of TSDF facilities for the treatment and disposal of hazardous material-

• Environment Health and Public Safety

The Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facility (TSDF) collects hazardous waste from the sources. Also, the recyclers of various kinds of waste including e-waste recyclers redirect hazardous waste to TSDF facilities for treatment and disposal. This way the presence of hazardous waste is mitigated from the environment and disposal of the same is ensured most safely and securely possible.

• Strengthens Waste Management Infrastructure

TSDFs specialise in the management of hazardous waste and add a new dimension to the waste management infrastructure. It carries the burden of recyclers who are not able to recycle the hazardous waste and do not have a proper disposal system for the same. With specialised waste management units, the overall waste management system of the country becomes more efficient and reliable in managing every type of waste in a specific manner.

Hazardous Wastes To Be Processed in TSDF Facilities

Hazardous wastes primarily originate from industrial processes as a consequential byproduct. It encompasses a spectrum of 128 identified hazardous waste types mentioned in the first schedule of the HWM rules, categorised into 38 distinct groups, each associated with its source process. These categories encompass a wide array of industries, including petrochemical production, natural gas extraction, the manufacture of resources such as lead, zinc, and copper, the production of acids, metal processing, textile manufacturing, leather tanneries, electronics production, pulp and paper mills, chemical processing, and hazardous waste handling, among others.

The hazardous waste category predominantly comprises substances like sludges, chemicals, residues, and other detrimental materials originating from these industrial processes. This classification system aids in the effective management and regulation of these hazardous materials and ensures that they are handled, transported, and disposed of safely to mitigate potential environmental and health risks. Consequently, understanding the sources and categories of hazardous waste is crucial for maintaining environmental sustainability and human well-being.

The facilities have to satisfy the following needs to comply with the rules prescribed by the Hazardous Waste Management Rules and the guidelines specified by the Central Pollution Control Board. Such requirements are as follows-

Criteria for Storage of Hazardous Waste in a TSDF Facility

•  There shall be separate columns for Flammable, ignitable, reactive and non-compatible wastes in a storage facility.
• There shall be at least a 15-metre distance between the storage sheds.
• The container shall be constructed or lined with a suitable material, which will not react with the hazardous wastes proposed to be stored.
• In case of leakage or spills, cotton shall be used for cleaning instead of water.

Criteria for Transportation of Hazardous Waste

• The container in which the hazardous waste is stored shall withstand the integrity for a minimum period of six months.
• During transportation, the container should not break or be defective.
• The packaging material should not react with the contents of the waste.
• It shall be marked clearly on the container with details of the contents of the waste following the HWM rules.

Criteria for Treatment and Disposal of Hazardous Waste

• Adequate machinery shall be installed in the plant to treat Hazardous Waste.
• Physical, Chemical and Biological Processes shall be adopted to treat hazardous waste.
• Disposal of treated Hazardous Waste shall be done in a landfill.
• The landfill shall be far from human settlement.
• The landfills shall have boundaries around them.

The following documents will be required for the establishment of a TSDF unit-

• ID Proof of the Authorised Signatory
• Address Proof of the Authorised Signatory
• Business Registration (CIN, Partnership, MSME etc.)
• Business PAN Card
• GST Certificate
• Proof of Land Possession (Rent, Ownership etc.)
• Layout Plan of the Facility
• MoA of the Company
• Topographic Map of the Plan
• Utility Bills
• Details of Pollution Control Equipment
• Process Flow Diagram

To establish the TSDF facility you need to get various permissions from many regulating authorities and follow the related compliances as prescribed by the applicable rules. You can connect with the corpseed and explain the complete procedure for the TSDF Facility set-up along with the documentation involved in the process. Not only this, but our team will assist you throughout the procedure and get your documentation done by the regulating authorities with ease. The major steps involved in the Treatment Storage Disposal Facility Setup are as follows-

• Environmental Clearance

You need to obtain a prior environmental clearance from the central or state government. There are different categories of projects and accordingly, the application for environment clearance be made to the appropriate authority.

• Authorisation from the CPCB

Under the hazardous waste management rules you need to obtain hazardous waste management authorisation before you can undertake any activity relating to the hazardous waste including the treatment, storage, transport and disposal.

• Pollution Control Norms

You also need to ensure that the pollution caused by the hazardous waste treatment plant, also referred to as the TSDF facility, is under prescribed limits and does not exceed the gaseous emission, noise pollution, effluence discharge, ambient air quality norms etc.

Corpseed stands as one of India's foremost business compliance management firms, renowned for its comprehensive range of services. We assist businesses to set up their TSDF facility and provide them with the certifications, permissions, and authorisation as and when needed including hazardous waste authorisation from the central pollution control board. Leveraging our extensive expertise in the field, we provide unparalleled solutions for your business regarding various plant setups. When you partner with us, you gain access to a team of professionals ready to navigate the certification process on your behalf. Simply furnish the requisite information, and our seasoned experts will handle the rest with the utmost efficiency. Corpseed serves as your comprehensive one-stop solution for all your business needs. Our team of experts boasts an extensive knowledge base and rich experience, making them well-versed in every facet of regulatory compliance.