WAMITAB - Chartered Institution of Wastes Management Hazardous Waste Handling 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?

Accepted Answer

The waste is an 'absolute entry' and is always considered hazardous.

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Conduct pre-acceptance procedures, including a technical assessment of the waste.

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

The bund must have a capacity of at least 1,100 litres.

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

The waste producer (the printing company).

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Three years from the date of transfer.

Answer

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.

WAMITAB - Chartered Institution of Wastes Management Certification Practice Test

WAMITAB - Chartered Institution of Wastes Management Certification Practice Test

WAMITAB - Chartered Institution of Wastes Management Hazardous Waste Handling Questions and Answers