Information on hazardous wastes generation
The policy objective is to have sufficient knowledge about the generation of hazardous wastes (particularly priority hazardous wastes identified by the Ministry) to provide a sound basis for ensuring that these are accounted for in systems that track wastes from generation, through to treatment and safe disposal.
The development of a national working definition for hazardous wastes and guidance on record keeping provides the basis for a nationally consistent approach to measuring and monitoring hazardous wastes. The elements identified in the policy are all measures which have increased the requirements for record keeping for hazardous waste. There is currently no one requirement or location for all hazardous waste data. The policy intention is to put in place a full tracking system for hazardous wastes and this will meet the policy objective.
Elements in place
- Module 1 of the Hazardous Wastes Guidelines: Identification and Record keeping, including a definition of hazardous waste. The web-based working definition, with its guide to establishing whether a waste is hazardous and its L codes, provides the opportunity for a nationally consistent approach to classifying hazardous wastes. The definition does not have legal status. However, it is intended to serve as a basis for definitions incorporated into legal instruments. The module also provides a standard approach to record keeping. This module is a guide only and use of the definition or record keeping forms is not mandatory.
- The Liquid and Hazardous Waste Code of Practice. The New Zealand Water and Wastes Association (NZWWA) developed this code of practice with the support of the Ministry for the Environment, and in consultation with liquid waste operators. The code of practice uses the hazardous waste definition and the record keeping guidance of Module 1. Compliance with these record keeping requirements is required as a part of the Code Compliancy Audit.
- Hazardous Substances (Classification) Regulations 2001 which provides the classification system for hazardous substances.
- Hazardous Substances (Minimum Degrees of Hazard) Regulations 2001 which sets thresholds for different hazardous properties.
- Hazardous Substances (Identification) Regulations 2001 . These regulations identify duties of suppliers and parties in charge of hazardous substances and specify how hazardous substances are to be identified. Regulations are applicable through the life of the substance, including if it becomes unwanted.
- Import/Export records for Basel Convention and Montreal Protocol monitoring. Permits for the import and export of hazardous wastes are issued by the Ministry of Economic Development, which keeps records of the hazardous wastes that cross New Zealand's borders. For information on importing/exporting hazardous waste visit the Ministry of Economic Development’s website.
Elements still under development
- The Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA) is gathering information on the location, quantities and types of hazardous substances in New Zealand to develop a risk-based compliance and enforcement programme. The data will be presented in a database that could be extended to hazardous wastes.
- A waste tracking system for tracking liquid and hazardous wastes. An electronic, web-accessed tracking system, based on the system used in Western Australia, has been successfully trialled and is being used by an increasing number of liquid waste contractors. This system, called WasteTRACK, is continuing to be developed, its use extended and mechanisms for requiring tracking of hazardous wastes through regulation e.g. group standards under HSNO, are currently being investigated.
Last updated: 12 March 2008
