Standard Operating Procedure for Classification of Waste Types

1) Purpose

The purpose of this SOP is to establish a clear process for identifying, classifying, and segregating waste types (hazardous, non-hazardous, and others) to ensure safe handling, regulatory compliance, and proper disposal.

2) Scope

This SOP applies to all personnel in laboratories, production units, healthcare facilities, warehouses, and any area where waste is generated, handled, or disposed of.

3) Responsibilities

• Supervisors: Ensure waste classification procedures are followed and personnel are trained.
• Employees/Operators: Identify, classify, and segregate waste at the point of generation.
• Safety Officers: Conduct audits, ensure compliance, and update procedures as per regulatory changes.
• Waste Management Personnel: Handle, transport, and document waste according to its classification.

4) Procedure

4.1 Waste Classification Categories

All waste generated must be identified and classified into the following categories:

1. Hazardous Waste: Waste that poses risks to human health or the environment due to toxicity, reactivity, corrosivity, flammability, or infectious properties. Examples include:
   • Chemical waste (solvents, acids, heavy metals)
   • Biohazardous waste (infectious materials, contaminated sharps)
   • Flammable or reactive substances

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2. Non-Hazardous Waste: Waste that does not pose risks to human health or the environment and can be disposed of safely. Examples include:
   • General office waste (paper, plastic, food waste)
   • Non-contaminated packaging materials
3. Biomedical Waste: Waste generated from healthcare or laboratory activities that may be infectious or hazardous. Examples include:
   • Human tissues, blood, and body fluids
   • Used sharps, syringes, and medical gloves
4. Electronic Waste (E-Waste): Waste generated from discarded electronic devices. Examples include:
   • Batteries, circuit boards, computers, and monitors
   • Fluorescent lamps containing mercury
5. Recyclable Waste: Waste that can be reused or recycled to reduce environmental impact. Examples include:
   • Paper, cardboard, plastic, and glass
   • Metal scraps

4.2 Identification of Waste Types

1. Point of Generation:
   • Identify waste at its point of generation (e.g., lab bench, production area).
   • Consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for chemicals to determine hazardous classifications.

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2. Characteristics for Classification:
   1. Use the following characteristics to classify hazardous waste:
      • Toxicity: Causes harm when inhaled, ingested, or absorbed.
      • Reactivity: Reacts violently with other substances (e.g., explosives).
      • Corrosivity: Damages tissues or corrodes metal (e.g., acids).
      • Flammability: Easily ignited and combustible.
   2. For biological and biomedical waste, identify:
      • Presence of infectious agents (bacteria, viruses).
      • Sharps contamination (needles, scalpels).

4.3 Segregation of Waste

Segregate waste into appropriate containers based on its classification:

1. Color-Coded Waste Bins:
   • Yellow: Hazardous waste (chemical, biomedical).
   • Red: Infectious biomedical waste (gloves, IV tubes).
   • Blue/White: Non-hazardous recyclable waste (paper, plastics).
   • Green: Non-hazardous biodegradable waste (food scraps).
   • Black: General non-hazardous waste for landfills.
   • Orange: Sharps waste (needles, blades).

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2. Labeling Requirements:
   • All waste containers must have clear, waterproof labels specifying:
     • Type of waste (e.g., hazardous, biohazardous)
     • Date of collection
     • Point of generation (e.g., Lab 2, Manufacturing Unit)
   • Biohazard waste must include the biohazard symbol on labels.

4.4 Storage of Waste

1. Hazardous Waste:
   • Store in tightly sealed, leak-proof containers in designated hazardous waste storage areas.
   • Maintain secondary containment for liquid hazardous waste.

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2. Biomedical Waste:
   • Store in closed bins away from food, water, and non-hazardous waste.
   • Dispose of biomedical waste within 48 hours.
3. Recyclable and Non-Hazardous Waste:
   • Store in color-coded bins and ensure timely disposal through recycling vendors or municipal services.

4.5 Disposal of Segregated Waste

1. Hazardous Waste:
   • Coordinate with licensed hazardous waste disposal contractors for incineration or secure landfilling.

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2. Biomedical Waste:
   • Dispose of through incineration, autoclaving, or shredding based on regulations.
3. Recyclable Waste:
   • Send for recycling to authorized vendors.
4. E-Waste:
   • Dispose of through licensed e-waste recycling facilities.
5. Non-Hazardous Waste:
   • Dispose of in municipal landfills or through composting (biodegradable waste).

4.6 Record-Keeping

1. Maintain records for waste classification, segregation, and disposal, including:
   • Waste type and quantity
   • Disposal date and method
   • Vendor details for hazardous and e-waste
2. Use the Waste Classification Log (Annexure 1) for documentation.

5) Abbreviations, if any

• PPE: Personal Protective Equipment
• SDS: Safety Data Sheet

6) Documents, if any

• Waste Classification Log
• Waste Disposal Manifest

7) Reference, if any

• EPA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
• WHO Guidelines for Waste Management
• OSHA Waste Segregation Standards

8) SOP Version

Version: 1.0

Annexure

Template 1: Waste Classification Log

 
 
 
Date
 
Waste Type
 
Quantity
 
Classification
 
Disposal Method
 
Handled By
 
 
 
DD/MM/YYYY
 
Expired Chemicals
 
10 kg
 
Hazardous
 
Incineration
 
John Doe