What Waste Haulers Need To Know
Waste hauling is a growing industry within Ontario. There are many opportunities for both employment and contract work. If you’re looking to grow your career or start a business within the waste hauling industry, in particular hazardous waste carriers, the possibilities are abundant. In fact, in 2016 alone there were over 35,000 international movements of hazardous waste and hazardous recyclable material to and from Canada according to Environment and Climate Change Canada. However, there are some key things every waste hauler has to know in order to find their place in the industry.
Materials considered as hazardous waste
There are a wide variety of waste materials requiring transportation in the province of Ontario, some of which are classified as ‘hazardous’, and therefore require extra protections and regulations. Hazardous wastes are primarily generated by industrial and manufacturing processes, but do include biomedical wastes as well. Examples of hazardous waste include:
- Waste acids, contaminated sludges and chemicals from manufacturing
- Photo-finishing chemicals
- Waste pesticides
- Polychlorinated biphenyls
- Motor oil
- Unused cleaning products
- Discarded batteries
There are some legal approvals required before you start
Any carrier or receiver of hazardous waste or liquid industrial waste must obtain Environmental Compliance Approvals from the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change. You’re required to outline specific conditions of your operations, including wastes you are approved to manage safely. Wastes are divided into 53 different classes, a identified by a three-digit number.
Once you identify the waste you are carrying, you can begin the approval process.
The Hazardous Waste Information Network
The Hazardous Waste Information Network (HWIN) is an online generator registration and manifesting system that supports waste carriers in business operations and efficiencies. By using the HWIN, waste carriers can:
- Manage their annual registration
- Pay their annual registration fees
- Use electronic manifesting to record and track the movement of their waste from the creator of the waste through to final disposal.
Ensure You Have The Proper Insurance
If you work as a full-time employee for a waste carrier business, it is the responsibility of the employer to provide adequate waste carrier insurance coverage. Employers need to look at comprehensive insurance packages that cover their property, including insurance for the vehicles, Business Interruption and Ordinary Payroll coverage, Commercial General Liability, Employers Liability, Employee Benefits Liability, and Pollution Liability. Insurance is a critical component of your business, so it is best to speak with a specialized waste management insurance representative to feel confident you have the coverage you require.
That being said, contract work is on the rise within the industry and many contractors don’t realize they aren’t completely covered by the insurance of their clients. Not only does your waste carrier insurance need to cover the environmental concerns related to the job, but you will want to ensure the technology contained within most vehicles, from roll off waste management to hazardous waste transportation, is protected from theft and damage. Therefore, contract waste carriers also have to be sure to speak with an insurance broker to find the coverage they need.
