WAMITAB - Chartered Institution of Wastes Management Hazardous Waste Handling Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When classifying a waste stream using the List of Wastes (England) Regulations 2005, what does an asterisk (*) next to a six-digit European Waste Catalogue (EWC) code signify?
- The waste requires further assessment to determine if it is hazardous.
- The waste is an 'absolute entry' and is always considered hazardous. (Correct answer)
- The waste is suitable for recovery operations only, not disposal.
- The waste is non-hazardous but requires registration with the Environment Agency.
Correct answer: The waste is an 'absolute entry' and is always considered hazardous.
An asterisk (*) next to a waste code in the List of Wastes denotes an 'absolute hazardous entry'. This means the waste is legally defined as hazardous without any further assessment of its composition or concentration of hazardous substances.
Question 2: A hazardous waste treatment facility is preparing to receive a new waste stream of acidic sludge from a new industrial client. According to standard environmental permit conditions, what is the FIRST critical step the facility must undertake?
- Arrange a collection vehicle and schedule the first pickup.
- Complete Part E of the consignment note in anticipation of the delivery.
- Conduct pre-acceptance procedures, including a technical assessment of the waste. (Correct answer)
- Notify the Environment Agency of the new customer and waste type.
Correct answer: Conduct pre-acceptance procedures, including a technical assessment of the waste.
Before any hazardous waste can be physically accepted, the receiving facility must conduct pre-acceptance procedures. This involves obtaining detailed information about the waste's composition, source, and characteristics to confirm it is technically and legally suitable for the facility's permit and treatment processes. All other actions would follow a successful pre-acceptance assessment.
Question 3: Which of the following is a primary requirement for the secondary containment (bund) for a 1,000-litre Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) used to store liquid hazardous waste?
- The bund must be connected to a foul sewer drain for emergency overflow.
- The bund must have a capacity of at least 1,100 litres. (Correct answer)
- The bund must be constructed from a material that is porous to allow rainwater to escape.
- The bund must hold exactly 100% of the container's volume.
Correct answer: The bund must have a capacity of at least 1,100 litres.
UK regulations require secondary containment for liquid hazardous waste to have a capacity of at least 110% of the largest container's volume, or 25% of the total volume stored, whichever is greater. For a single 1,000-litre IBC, the bund must therefore hold a minimum of 1,100 litres. Bunds must be impermeable and not connected to drainage systems.
Question 4: A commercial printing company produces waste ink contaminated with solvents. Who holds the primary legal responsibility for correctly classifying this waste and completing Parts A and B of the Hazardous Waste Consignment Note before it is collected?
- The driver of the waste collection vehicle.
- The Environment Agency inspector.
- The operator of the permitted disposal facility (the consignee).
- The waste producer (the printing company). (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The waste producer (the printing company).
The 'Duty of Care' places the responsibility squarely on the waste producer to correctly classify their waste and accurately describe it on the consignment note. Parts A and B of the note, which detail the waste's origin and description, must be completed by the producer or holder before the waste is transferred to a carrier.
Question 5: According to the Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2005, for what minimum period must a consignee (the recipient of the waste) retain their copy of the completed consignment note?
- One year from the date of transfer.
- Three years from the date of transfer. (Correct answer)
- Two years from the date of transfer.
- Five years from the date of transfer.
Correct answer: Three years from the date of transfer.
The Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2005 require all parties involved (producer, carrier, and consignee) to keep copies of consignment notes for a minimum of three years from the date the waste was transferred.
Question 6: A hazardous waste consignee receives a load of waste where the description on the consignment note does not match the waste in the container. According to GOV.UK guidance, what is a permissible action for the consignee to take?
- Accept the waste but make a note to inform the producer on the next collection.
- Immediately send the waste to an unpermitted part of the site for quarantine.
- Reject the load and complete Part E of the consignment note accordingly. (Correct answer)
- Shred the incorrect note and ask the driver to return later with a new one.
Correct answer: Reject the load and complete Part E of the consignment note accordingly.
The consignee has a duty to check the waste against the consignment note upon arrival. If the note is missing, incorrect, or incomplete, the consignee should reject the waste. They must then record this rejection in Part E of the consignment note and send a report to the Environment Agency.
WAMITAB - Chartered Institution of Wastes Management Hazardous Waste Handling Questions and Answers
When classifying a waste stream using the List of Wastes (England) Regulations 2005, what does an asterisk (*) next to a six-digit European Waste Catalogue (EWC) code signify?