3 Ways Technology Optimizes Hazardous/Regulated Waste Management

Right from our childhood, we have heard things like,

“Please put the waste in the waste bin.”

“Look how much food you’ve wasted.”

“Throw it in the green bin, and the waste can be recycled.”

These small lines remind us of the household waste that has been a part of our lives since birth. But like the world has evolved, even waste has evolved. Thanks to the ever-growing population, innovation is on the rise. Initially, the world used to change every decade, but currently, the world changes every year. Right from fashion to eating trends, everything evolves in no time. But this ever-changing atmosphere has given rise to more and more waste. 

Now, waste is a good thing. Waste can be reused, recycled, and put to excellent use. But to do that, the critical step is waste management. Though basic waste management begins by segregating the wet, dry, recyclable, and e-waste, it has a long journey before it actually can be put to use. 

This understanding is very crucial for industries as they have to ensure to manage their wastes responsibly. Thanks to the intervention of the government, ignorance of waste management can attract hefty fines.

But the advancement of technology has made waste management easy. There are IoT devices, robots, waste management software, and even automated trash cans to ensure proper waste disposal. So how do these work, and are they successfully tackling industrial waste management issues? Let us survey.

Hazardous and Regulated Waste

We all know the basic household wastes of wet and dry. This waste can be decomposed, recycled, or put to use accordingly. But there is hazardous waste that consists of substances that threaten the environment and humankind. These substances are considered dangerous because they are

  • Toxic
  • Reactive
  • Ignitable
  • Corrosive

Then comes regulated wastage. This waste is pathological and microbiological in nature. Examples of such wastes are:-

  • Lab cultures
  • Lab specimens
  • Blood-soaked items
  • Contaminated sharps

This hazardous and regulated waste needs special monitoring and disposal in the waste management chain. 

The industrial workplace has to deal with enormous hazardous and regulated wastes daily. So how do they ensure this waste does not harm them or the environment while following the stringent disposal rules and regulations? Well, technology has the answer. 

Like Croma, an electronic retail chain, has initiated people to dispose of their e-waste at E-waste Collection boxes near their showrooms. This initiative educated people about not throwing away electronic items in their household bins. This further prevents the wastelands from getting affected by the toxicity of e-waste. 

These small actions lead to a brighter and greener future for the planet. Therefore waste management must be taken seriously by organizations. To help you further, we will list the three best ways technology optimizes hazardous and regulated waste management.

3 Ways Technology Optimizes Hazardous/Regulated Waste Management

Integration of IoT in the Waste Management System

As industries grow, the waste management process gets complex and tedious. Therefore, there should be a precise way to know everything about the waste disposal process in the system. The idea is to incorporate IoT in waste management site equipment can prove to be a success. This system can warn if the toxic fumes rise on the site or if they sense any radiation or sudden climatic changes. These intelligent sensors can immediately send real-time data to cloud-based platforms. The gathered data from the installed sensors provide better insight for further optimization possibilities.

For example, waste bins have sensors to indicate when they are filled in. So when the sensors alert the concerned system, only then do the garbage trucks need to act. This saves carbon footprint while saving costs and resources.

Utilize Data to Improvise the Waste Management System

The data collected through IoT devices can work wonders to optimize regulated and hazardous waste. This data will ensure that there are no overflowing bins or garbage trucks roaming around aimlessly on the site. Thus, these organizations need to refrain from sending the staff to micromanage the waste disposal system as the employees have a transparent way of looking at waste management and work more responsibly. 

For example, getting alerts for full bins, routing the trucks appropriately, and knowing which waste is toxic and hazardous can help reduce the overall carbon footprint. 

Make Waste Management Module a Part of the EHS Software

Digital solutions for hazardous waste management can help to a significant extent. With the incorporation of RFID, GPS, GPRS, and IoT technology, it is essential to have a common platform that seamlessly integrates with these technologies. And what better solution than integrating a waste management module in the EHS software?

The waste management module will not only simplify processes but also ensure that the organization complies with the disposal regulations of hazardous and regulated waste. For example, tracking hazardous waste with a real-time inventory measure and disposal process with effective labeling can take away the tedious task of manually updating data in the EHS system.

We Just Took One Step Closer To A Greener Environment!

When technology is advanced wherein it can help organizations manage waste, why should we not take full advantage of it? Even if we can incorporate robots to help us manage hazardous waste, it will be super beneficial. 

If you are looking for incredible waste management systems, talk to the EHS experts. There are various solutions for every budget to provide a centralized framework for waste management. These experts will help you track, manage and control every process of your waste management system.

All the waste management steps and hazardous and regulated waste disposal demand a regulatory process. It reduces carbon footprint, protects workplaces and employees, helps curb pollution, and makes the planet a healthier and happy place to live in!

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