Waste unsuitable for further use in technological processes, their residues that can cause damage to the environment, habitat, life or human health are called hazardous. They may include explosive, toxic, fire hazardous components, pathogens of various infections, and other dangerous elements.
Waste management is enshrined in Russia by the relevant articles of the law. So, in 1998, a federal law was approved. He introduced the concept of "waste licensing" into Russian legal practice. Later, in 2002, another law was passed establishing the need to obtain permission to conduct certain types of activities. Thus, the licensing of waste since that time is subordinated to him.
In accordance with Order 511, in 2001 a certain hazard classification was introduced. Based on the physicochemical properties, the degree of hazard of the waste was determined, as well as the conditions for their storage and disposal. Thus, five classes were formed:
- Extremely dangerous. Their effects are damaging to the surrounding system. The ecosystem is not able to recover even after a long time.
- Dangerous. This waste also has a devastating effect on the ecosystem, but it can recover after thirty years.
- Weakly hazardous. An ecosystem destroyed under their influence can recover within ten years.
- Low hazardous waste. After their exposure, the ecosystem can recover over three years.
- Non-hazardous. This class does not have a devastating effect on the ecosystem.
Today, waste licensing is mandatory for the first four classes. For enterprises dealing with and performing any actions related to the indicated categories, it is necessary, in accordance with the legislation, to go through the procedure to confirm that the necessary conditions have been created within the organization, including the requirements for ensuring the safety of personnel in dealing with harmful substances.
The law defines the concept of "waste storage". It is understood as a procedure for the temporary (not more than six months) storage of these substances. In this case, licensing of waste is not required. It is not required for the fifth class of substances. In this case, “non-hazardous waste” means recycled materials, plastic, and waste paper. These substances do not cause much harm to the environment. However, ecologists oppose this. In this case, they indicate the harm from burning such garbage. For example, when plastic is burned, dioxin is released into the atmosphere. This substance is a carcinogen, it has a high degree of damage.
The license for garbage removal today is relevant for enterprises of any legal form, including for producers of various goods. There are more and more harmful substances every year, they become more diverse. This, in turn, requires the use of various methods for their processing.
The waste licensing process includes certain conditions. They apply to the professional training of employees or the entrepreneur himself (when applying for permission directly to him).
A mandatory requirement for licensing waste is the presence of personnel who have been specially trained in the handling of hazardous substances. A program is provided to the relevant authority, in accordance with which the training of employees, a document certifying professional qualifications and the right to carry out relevant activities were carried out. These documents are accompanied by a license for the educational activities of the institution that issued the certificate to specialists.