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Hazardous Waste Management and Handling Rules of 1989

The 1986 Environment Protection Act empowered the central government of India to "take measures to protect and improve" the environment. This led to the central government's creation of the Hazardous Waste Management and Handling Rules of 1989. The Ministry of Environment and Forest has a list identifying the different hazardous wastes affected by the 1989 rules, which include everything from cyanide to asbestos. The list also provides the government's allowable quantities of each substance.

  1. Requirements of Major Concern

    • Although the Waste Management Handling Rules of 1989 encompass various regulations, there are four requirements of major concern. They govern the authorized location requests, observances of dumping limits and restrictions, maintenance of records of operation, and required accident reporting. The Waste Management Handling Rules of 1989 have been amended since first enacted. The rules, however, continue to address and regulate the core safety issues.

    Make Authorized Location Request

    • Facilities that deal with hazardous waste materials are required to contact their State Pollution Control Board. They must petition the board for permission to operate as an authorized location, which includes any establishment involved in collecting, receiving, treating, transporting, or disposing of hazardous wastes. When the proper request form has been submitted, the rules state that after a facility is adequately verified, they may be granted authorization for two years. This is subject to the facility's condition, as initially reported, as well as their continued compliance with the rules.

    Observe Limits and Restrictions

    • The State Pollution Control Board is able to cancel authorization anytime. Typically, a facility can operate just under two years before having to renew its authorization status. A board, however, will suspend authorization whenever a facility fails to follow the provisions of the rules. Observance of limits and restrictions is mandatory. For example, hazardous waste that exceeds or is equal to the allowable quantities in the rules must be properly handled and disposed of. Another restriction states that importing hazardous wastes to India from any country, for the purpose of dumping and disposing, is not permitted.

    Maintain Records of Operations

    • An important part of the Waste Management Handling Rules of 1989 focuses on record maintenance. Maintaining accurate records about hazardous waste operations is crucial. Mandatory reports are filed with the State Pollution Control Board. Records should document the procedures used in different areas of hazardous waste management. For instance, before arriving at the waste site, facility operators must make sure materials are suitable for storing and transporting. The rules require the labeling to be visible and easy to read. The packaging must be sturdy and able to withstand tough physical conditions.

    Required Reporting

    • Documents containing standard operating procedures will come in handy if an accident report is ever necessary. According to the rules, a facility has to report accidents immediately to the State Pollution Control Board. This should be done by using Form 5, which indicates what facts must be reported. The form must contain information such as the sequence of events that led up to the accident and the emergency measures taken at the time. It should also contain "the steps taken to prevent the recurrence of such an accident."

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