4.6 Waste Management & Environmental Compliance

Industrial waste is not "garbage"; it is material that has exited the value stream but retains full regulatory liability. Improper disposal—whether pouring solvent down a sink or mixing leaded dross with general trash—exposes the facility to fines, site shutdown, and long-term remediation costs. We manage waste with the same precision as inventory: classify, segregate, and track every gram from generation to final destruction.

Classification & Segregation Logic

The first rule of waste management is non-contamination. Mixing a teaspoon of hazardous waste into a dumpster of non-hazardous waste converts the entire dumpster into hazardous waste.

• If Material contains Lead (Pb), Solvents, or Flux -> Then Classify as Hazardous Waste.
  • Action: Place in dedicated red/yellow bins. Never mix with cafeteria trash.
• If Material is Electronic Scrap (PCB, Components) -> Then Classify as E-Waste (WEEE).
  • Value: High recovery potential (Gold/Copper). Segregate to maximize reclamation revenue.
• If Material is Packaging (Cardboard/Plastic) -> Then Classify as Recyclable.
  • Constraint: Must be free of oil/chemical residue.

Pro-Tip: Remove "General Trash" bins from the production floor entirely. Replace them with specific segregation stations (ESD Waste, Solder Waste, Recyclables). If operators have nowhere to throw undefined trash, they are forced to segregate.

Handling & Storage Protocols

Waste storage areas are high-risk zones for fire and leaks. They are not dumping grounds; they are temporary holding cells for dangerous goods.

• If Container is Liquid Waste -> Then Store in Secondary Containment (Bund).
  • Capacity: The bund must hold 110% of the largest container's volume.
• If Waste is Flammable (Rags/Solvent) -> Then Use Self-Closing Metal Cans.
  • Physics: Oxygen starvation prevents spontaneous combustion of solvent-soaked wipes.
• If Waste Storage Area is Full -> Then Schedule pickup immediately.
  • Limit: Do not exceed the legal storage duration (typically 90 days for large quantity generators).

Manifesting & Traceability

You are responsible for your waste forever ("Cradle-to-Grave"). Handing it to a truck driver does not end your liability.

• Chain of Custody: Every hazardous shipment must have a signed Manifest.
• Vendor Validation: Audit your waste disposal vendor annually. Verify they are actually treating the waste, not just storing it in a field.
• If Manifest is not returned within 30 Days -> Then Flag as critical compliance breach and investigate.

Final Checklist