Hazardous waste collections are a critical part of managing industrial and commercial waste responsibly.
For South African businesses that generate hazardous waste, such as solvents, chemicals, contaminated containers or oily rags, knowing how to handle it correctly is not only a matter of environmental care but also a legal obligation.
The safe, compliant collection and removal of hazardous waste is an end-to-end solution that helps businesses meet strict regulatory requirements while reducing their environmental impact.
What is considered hazardous waste in South Africa?
Hazardous waste is any waste that poses a substantial or potential threat to public health or the environment due to its chemical, physical or biological characteristics.
Common examples include:
- Used solvents and oils
- Chemical residues
- Fluorescent tubes and batteries
- Contaminated containers
- Paints, thinners and varnishes
- Clinical or pharmaceutical waste
These materials require specialised handling, transport, and disposal to avoid environmental contamination and health risks.
We offer environmentally sound and compliant transport of your hazardous liquid waste streams, including vacuum services and pit desludging. Our trained professionals operate specialised vehicles and vessels to ensure responsible handling.
What does the law say about hazardous waste disposal?
Hazardous waste in South Africa is regulated under the National Environmental Management: Waste Act (Act 59 of 2008), which governs how waste should be classified, stored, transported, treated and disposed of.
Key legal requirements include:
- Registration for the generation of more than 20kg per day of hazardous waste in terms of the SAWIS regulation
- Classification: Waste must be assessed and classified according to SANS 10234 and Waste Classification and Management Regulations.
- Storage and labelling: Hazardous waste must be stored in clearly marked secure containers in terms of the National Storage and Labelling regulations and local bylaws requirements, including an authorisation to store based on threshold limits.
- Transport: Waste transporters must be registered and use licensed vehicles that meet Department of Transport regulations, and the Local Municipality permitted authorisation.
- The packaging and containerization of the waste for transport must meet SANS 10228 and SANS 10229 requirements, and the entire load must meet the requirements of the Waste Management Regulations
- Disposal: Disposal must be done at a licensed hazardous waste facility registered with the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Environment, not at general landfill sites.
Failing to comply can result in hefty fines, shutdowns, or reputational damage, so it’s vital to partner with an experienced, compliant service provider.
Our hazardous waste collection services
At Oricol Environmental Services, we offer a turnkey hazardous waste collection service that includes:
- On-site waste assessments and management
- Waste classification and documentation
- Supply of compliant containers and labelling
- Safe collection by trained drivers using licensed vehicles
- Secure transport to licensed treatment or disposal facilities
- Full legal traceability with waste manifests and certificates of safe disposal
We handle all types of hazardous industrial waste and tailor our services to meet the specific needs of your operation.
Our certified blending plant repurposes select hazardous waste streams into alternative fuel used by energy-intensive industries.
What happens to your hazardous waste after collection?
We understand the critical role that responsible hazardous waste management plays in your operations. That’s why Oricol offers more than just collection.
We provide a comprehensive suite of services that simplifies the complexities of hazardous waste removal and guarantees regulatory compliance and environmental sustainability.
Once collected, hazardous waste is safely transported to one of our licensed facilities for processing.
Depending on the waste type, it may go through:
- Depackaging of chemicals for safe treatment and destruction
- Liquid and solid waste treatment at our registered facilities located across the country
- Blending and repurposing at our certified blending plant in Cato Ridge, KwaZulu-Natal
Our blending plant gives certain types of hazardous waste a second life by converting them into fuel for energy-intensive industries.
With the right infrastructure, expert teams and strict safety protocols in place, we make it easy for your business to meet its legal and environmental obligations while contributing to a more sustainable future.
Why choose Oricol for hazardous waste collections?
- Compliant: in terms of the legal requirements i.e. NEMA, NEM:WA, NEM:AQA, OHS Act, and associated National regulations and local by requirements.
- Certified: We’re ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 certified, ensuring you meet all health, safety, quality and environmental standards, to ensure legal compliance and good governance.
- National footprint: We operate across South Africa, including Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Western Cape.
- Transparent reporting: Our systems provide full traceability and reporting for audit and compliance purposes.
- Sustainability focused: Through innovation and infrastructure like our blending plant, we help clients reduce environmental impact.
Contact us for safe, compliant and sustainable hazardous waste management solutions
