Industrial sites can generate liquid waste through production, cleaning, maintenance and everyday operations. But when tanks, pits or containers contain liquids that need to be removed, it can be difficult to know how they should be handled, who should collect them or where they should go.
If you manage an industrial site, this article explains what to consider when managing different types of liquid waste, from storage and collection through to transportation, processing and disposal. Richmond Waste helps businesses across Northern New South Wales manage industrial liquid waste, providing services to remove waste from the site and ensure it is handled and processed appropriately.
The first step is to understand what types of liquid waste your business produces. This can include wastewater, oily liquids, grease and other liquids generated through manufacturing, cleaning or maintenance activities.
The source of the waste can help determine how it should be handled. For example, liquids from equipment maintenance, cleaning or production processes can have different characteristics and may require different handling. Keeping different types separate, where practical, can make collection easier and reduce the risk of contamination.
Liquid waste needs to be stored safely while it is still on your site. Tanks, containers and other storage systems should be suitable for the material they hold and kept in good condition to reduce the risk of leaks and spills.
It is also worth considering access. Collection vehicles need to be able to reach tanks or collection points safely, without creating risks for workers or interfering with other site activities.
Employees should know what is being stored, where it is stored and what to do if there is a leak or spill. Liquid waste should never be poured onto the ground or into stormwater drains simply because it is inconvenient to store or dispose of. It should remain securely contained until it can be collected by an appropriate waste service.
The appropriate collection schedule will depend on the type and amount of liquid waste your business produces, how quickly it builds up, where it is stored and how collection vehicles can access the premises.
A business generating waste every day may need regular collections, while another may only require a service from time to time. Planning ahead can help prevent full storage tanks, last-minute requests and unnecessary disruption.
If your waste volumes or processes change, your collection schedule may need to be adjusted accordingly.
Removing liquid waste from your premises is only part of the process. Once collected, it needs to be transported and managed appropriately for the type of material involved.
Depending on the waste, this may involve treatment, recycling, recovery or controlled disposal. Different waste streams can require different handling and processing methods, so the waste needs to be directed to an appropriate facility.
Richmond Waste helps businesses arrange the removal and processing of liquid waste from their premises.
Poorly managed liquid waste can create risks for workers, the environment and nearby waterways. Some liquids can cause contamination if they escape into soil or stormwater, while others may present additional risks during handling.
Your business should have straightforward procedures for storing, handling and collecting liquid waste, as well as dealing with spills. Employees should know where waste is stored and what to do if something goes wrong.
Good planning also reduces the chance of a storage or collection problem becoming an environmental incident.
Professional liquid waste services can be particularly useful when your business produces large volumes, handles specialised waste or does not have the equipment needed to remove or manage it safely.
This may include:
The service can then be planned around how your business operates, including how often waste is generated and when collection can take place with minimal disruption. If production, equipment or cleaning processes change, it is worth reviewing these arrangements as well.
Managing industrial liquid waste starts with knowing what your business produces and making sure it is safely contained. Having a clear plan for collection, transport and processing can help keep waste under control while reducing risks to workers and the environment.
Richmond Waste has operated locally in the Northern Rivers since 1980 and provides waste and resource recovery services to industry, commerce and homes. Our services include liquid waste collection, transportation and processing.
If your industrial site produces liquid waste and you are unsure about the best way to manage it, Richmond Waste can help you work out what you need.
If you need help arranging regular or one-off liquid waste collection, contact us to get started.