Transport of hazardous waste - which are the most challenging?

The transport of hazardous waste is one of the most demanding tasks in logistics. It not only requires the haulier to have specialised equipment, but also to strictly comply with regulations. However, not all waste must be treated equally. Indeed, some are particularly difficult to transport due to their characteristics. In this article, we will take a look at the waste whose transport is the most challenging.

Carriage of hazardous waste with radioactive properties

Radioactive waste comes mainly from nuclear power plants, medical facilities and research laboratories. They are particularly difficult to transport because they emit radiation that can cause cancer and genetic mutations.

The transport of this waste requires special protective containers, usually made of lead or steel to minimise radiation emissions. It is also necessary to monitor the transport route and provide protection in case of possible incidents. Each operation requires the approval of the relevant authorities, and errors in documentation can result in multimillion-dollar fines.

Transport of hazardous biological waste

Biological waste from hospitals, laboratories and animal processing plants may contain bacteria, viruses and toxinswhich pose an epidemiological risk. Improper handling of these materials can lead to the spread of diseases such as anthrax, tuberculosis and COVID-19.

Because of the risk of infection, transported waste must be enclosed in airtight containers that prevent contact with the environment. Many countries have strict regulations on disinfection and sanitation procedures, and vehicles transporting such waste must meet strict hygiene standards.

Chemical waste

Some chemicals pose a huge risk during transport due to their ability to react violently with other materials or atmospheric conditions. Examples of such wastes include hydrogen cyanide, organic peroxides, ammonia and highly reactive acids.

During transport, proper labelling and separation of substances is crucial to avoid uncontrolled reactions. Each transport must be carefully planned and, in the case of flammable substances, a certain temperature and humidity must be maintained. Leakage of such cargo can lead to groundwater and air contamination.

The biggest challenges in transporting this waste

The transportation of the most problematic hazardous waste requires strict compliance with regulations and the use of modern containment technologies. Key challenges include:

• Provision of resistant, certified transport containers.
• Develop routes that minimise the risk of contamination or accident.
• Real-time transport monitoring and rapid response to threats.
• Training of staff in emergency procedures.

Not all types of waste

It would seem that since the waste is classified as hazardous, it will be subject to well-known regulations such as the Basel Convention or the ADR Agreement. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Even within the framework of high-hazard waste, there are different procedures and regulations according to which the organisation of the shipment to the place of management will take place.

Carriage of hazardous waste with radioactive properties

It should take into account the principles detailed in regulations such as:

• Regulations for the Carriage of Radioactive Material of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
• Directive 2006/117/Euratom, which:

1. requires operators to notify national authorities of shipments of radioactive material that leave, pass through or enter the EU
2. enables EU countries to send their spent fuel for reprocessing among themselves and to arrange for the return of the resulting radioactive material
3. allows EU countries to send shipments of radioactive material that do not comply with the directive back to the country of origin
4. prohibits the export of radioactive waste to African, Caribbean or Pacific countries, to Antarctica or to any country that does not have the resources to manage it safely

• National legislation on radiological protection and transport of radioactive substances. For example, in Poland such legislation is the Act of 29 November 2000. - Atomic Law, and in Germany the Atomgesetz (AtG) - Atomic Law or Strahlenschutzverordnung (StrlSchV) - Radiation Protection Ordinance.

Biological wastes

In addition to EU regulations on the transboundary transport of waste or the ADR Agreement, biological waste that poses a risk, e.g. due to its infectivity, should be transported based on the guidelines they define:

• WHO regulations for the transport of biological materials.
• National and EU sanitary regulations (e.g. requirements for the transport of hospital waste, blood and human tissue). In Poland, this will be Order of the Minister of Health 2017 year, while in the Netherlands, the Act Wet vervoer gevaarlijke stoffenwhich deals with the transport of hazardous waste, including medical waste.

Not everyone can transport this waste

Due to the enormous risks involved in transporting hazardous waste, transport companies must comply with strict legal requirements. The requirements are special licencesand in some countries the process of obtaining them is very complicated.

In order to be approved to transport the highest level of hazard waste, the transporter must, among other things:

• Hold relevant certificates and licences.
• Have vehicles that meet safety standards.
• Employ staff with the appropriate qualifications.
• Follow strict transport procedures.

Some countries limit the number of companies authorised to transport such waste to ensure the highest level of control. Such regulations are key to protecting the environment and public health.

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Not all hazardous wastes are equally problematic to transport. Radioactive, biological and some chemical wastes present the greatest challenges because they require specialised procedures, safeguards and means of transport. Their transport is subject to strict regulations and obtaining permits can be difficult and costly. However, with modern technology and precise regulations, it is possible to minimise risks and ensure safety at the highest level.