SOP for Recycling of Non-Hazardous Waste Materials

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SOP for Recycling of Non-Hazardous Waste Materials

Standard Operating Procedure for Recycling of Non-Hazardous Waste Materials

1) Purpose

The purpose of this SOP is to provide systematic guidelines for the collection, segregation, storage, and recycling of non-hazardous waste materials to promote sustainability, reduce environmental impact, and comply with waste management regulations.

2) Scope

This SOP applies to all personnel in manufacturing units, offices, warehouses, laboratories, and other facilities where non-hazardous waste materials are generated, handled, and recycled.

3) Responsibilities

  • Supervisors: Ensure adherence to this SOP and organize periodic training on waste segregation and recycling processes.
  • Employees/Operators: Segregate, collect, and deposit non-hazardous waste materials into designated bins.
  • Waste Management Personnel: Oversee the collection, storage, and transfer of non-hazardous waste materials for recycling.
  • Safety Officers: Conduct periodic audits to ensure compliance with waste recycling guidelines.

4) Procedure

4.1 Classification of Non-Hazardous Waste

Non-hazardous waste materials must be identified and categorized for efficient recycling:

  1. Paper Waste:
    • Office paper, cardboard boxes, shredded documents, newspapers
  2. Plastic Waste:
    • Plastic packaging materials, PET bottles, and containers
  3. Glass Waste:
    • Glass bottles, jars, and uncontaminated broken glass
  4. Metal Waste:
    • Aluminum cans, scrap metals, steel containers
  5. Organic/Biodegradable Waste:
    • Food scraps, compostable packaging materials
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4.2 Waste Segregation and Collection

  1. Color-Coded Bins for Segregation:
    • Blue: Paper and cardboard waste
    • Green: Organic and biodegradable waste
    • Yellow: Plastic waste
    • White: Glass waste
    • Red: Metal waste

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  2. Segregation Rules:
    1. Segregate waste at the
point of generation (workstations, production floors, cafeterias).
  • Ensure no mixing of recyclable materials with general or hazardous waste.
  • Place signage near bins to indicate proper use.
  • Collection Process:
    1. Appoint designated personnel to monitor and empty bins regularly.
    2. Collect and transport waste to a designated waste storage area using carts or trolleys.
    3. Maintain hygiene during collection by wearing PPE (gloves, masks, aprons).

    • 4.3 Temporary Storage of Non-Hazardous Waste

    1. Storage Area Requirements:
      • Designate a secure and ventilated area for temporary storage of segregated waste materials.
      • Ensure separate storage zones for each type of waste (paper, plastic, glass, metal, organic).
      • Keep storage areas clean and free of pests.

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    2. Labeling and Identification:
      • Clearly label waste storage containers with their respective waste type.
      • Use waterproof, color-coded tags for easy identification.
    3. Volume Management:
      • Ensure timely transfer of stored waste to recycling vendors to avoid accumulation.
      • Document the quantity and type of waste collected weekly in the Waste Management Log (Annexure 1).

    4.4 Recycling Process

    1. Recycling Vendors:
      • Partner with authorized waste recycling vendors for paper, plastic, glass, metal, and organic waste.
      • Verify vendor credentials to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

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    2. Transfer of Waste for Recycling:
      • Coordinate regular pick-ups with recycling vendors (weekly or bi-weekly).
      • Record waste quantities handed over to vendors in the Waste Recycling Log (Annexure 2).
      • Obtain a recycling certificate or disposal receipt from the vendor.
    3. On-Site Composting (for Organic Waste):
      • Set up composting bins or systems for biodegradable waste.
      • Regularly monitor composting processes to produce organic manure for landscaping.

    4.5 Monitoring and Reporting

    1. Maintain detailed records of all waste collected, stored, and transferred for recycling.
    2. Submit monthly reports to management, including:
      • Waste types and quantities segregated
      • Vendor receipts and recycling reports
      • Cost savings and environmental benefits achieved

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    3. Conduct internal audits to verify adherence to this SOP and identify areas for improvement.

    4.6 Training and Awareness

    1. Train employees annually on:
      • Proper segregation of non-hazardous waste
      • Color coding of waste bins
      • On-site composting and recycling processes

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    2. Display posters and charts in waste generation areas to promote awareness.

    5) Abbreviations, if any

    • PPE: Personal Protective Equipment
    • PET: Polyethylene Terephthalate

    6) Documents, if any

    • Waste Management Log
    • Waste Recycling Log
    • Vendor Receipts

    7) Reference, if any

    • Environmental Protection Act (EPA) Guidelines
    • Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016
    • ISO 14001: Environmental Management Systems

    8) SOP Version

    Version: 1.0

    Annexure

    Template 1: Waste Management Log

     
     
     Date Waste Type Quantity (kg) Collection Point Handled By 
     
     DD/MM/YYYY Plastic Waste 50 Unit 1 John Doe

    Template 2: Waste Recycling Log

     
     
     Date Vendor Name Waste Type Quantity (kg) Recycling Receipt No. Authorized By 
     
     DD/MM/YYYY XYZ Recyclers Paper 100 REC-12345 Jane Doe
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