How to interpret the Waste Ordinance - guide to proper waste management

First of all, we want to be transparent in that the objective of this article is not to go through the waste regulation in detail, but rather to highlight what we believe are the most important elements in order to form an overview. To read the Waste Regulation in full, we refer you hither.

What kind of waste is covered by the Waste Regulation?

There are many different types of waste that are covered, but in order not to write a whole book, we would instead like to list the products that can contain hazardous waste and that most businesses use.

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Some examples of products that may contain hazardous waste:

• Batteries
• Electrical products
• Fixtures
• Impregnated wood
• solvents

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After all, these products are found in almost all businesses, which means that most activities may be subject to the regulation in one way or another and thus be required to record and report. In cases where you are required to report, it also places higher demands on the administration, where it can be important to develop clear procedures and policies for the effective administration of your waste management.

At the same time, the products do not have to contain hazardous waste at all, which would mean that you are completely unaffected by the new waste regulation. However, what is clear is that it is important to review your waste to find out whether your products are classified as hazardous waste or not.

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How do I know which products are classified as hazardous waste?

To know which of your products are classified as hazardous waste, our best tip is to ask your purchasing organization and your suppliers, as this is stated in the product safety data sheet, which should contain information about the hazardous properties of the product.

Details of the waste code can be found in section 13 of the Safety Data Sheet. Annex 3 to the Waste Regulation (2020:614) contains waste codes for all types of waste classified, where all types of waste marked with an asterisk (*) are to be considered hazardous waste.

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What data should be recorded?

What should be recorded depends on your role in the waste chain. For example, the notes of a waste producer shall contain the following information by type of waste:

1. Where the waste was produced
2. Date of removal
3. Mode of transport
4. Who will carry away the waste
5. the weight of the waste in kilograms, and
6. the consignee and the place where the waste is to be handled other than by transport or transhipment by the recipient;

More can be read about this in Waste Ordinance (2020:614).

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When to take notes and when to report?

Again, you are referred to the document regarding the Waste Regulation and your role in the waste chain, but the rule of thumb is that the note should be kept before the transport commences. For reporting to the waste register, it must be done no later than two working days after you submitted your note.

Does this mean that I should record every time hazardous waste occurs in my business, e.g. when fluorescent lamps are to be replaced?

No, the obligation to take note means that a note must be kept when it is time to remove the hazardous waste, but at the latest before the transport begins. You do not need to record every time your business generates hazardous waste.

How do I know if I am a waste producer and does the Waste Regulation also apply to businesses that produce very little hazardous waste?

In short, if hazardous waste occurs in your business, you are a waste producer. All activities in which hazardous waste is generated or handled are subject to the requirement to keep records of the hazardous waste and report to the waste register. There are no lower limits on, for example, the amount of waste or the size of the business.

Which section covers the storage of hazardous waste?

Any person engaged in hazardous waste storage activities as part of the collection of the waste shall keep records as a collector under: Chapter 6, Section 3 of the Waste Ordinance (2020:614).

Storage that takes place before the waste is handed over to an establishment where it is to be treated in any way is considered as part of the collection of the waste. When the waste is handed over to an establishment that is to treat the waste, the storage in that business constitutes a treatment procedure.

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Summary of the Waste Regulation

The waste regulation is estimated to affect 1 million Swedish companies, where the increased reporting and reporting obligation leads to safer waste management but also to more administrative work.

It is important to remember that the business will only be required to record and report when waste is to be transported. At the same time, there is no lower limit for hazardous waste, but if hazardous waste occurs in your business, you are also to be considered as a waste producer with an obligation to record and report. To find out if you are a waste producer, our best recommendation is to contact your suppliers.

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How do we work with waste management & recycling?

At XLNT Workplace, we offer sustainable recycling solutions with fossil-free transport that are marked with Good Environmental Choice. We have extensive experience in waste management and whether it is garbage disposal, garbage disposal or handling classified material or hazardous waste, we have the skills to help you.

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Get in touch, and we'll take it away from there.