Storage of Waste

Waste must be stored safely and securely on site before collection to prevent pollution, fire, and vermin problems.
The Environmental Protection Act 1990 Section 34 places a duty of care on waste producers to store waste correctly.
Waste storage areas must be located away from watercourses, drains, and ecological sensitive areas on the site.
Skips and containers must be clearly labelled with the waste stream they are designated to receive.
Hazardous waste must be stored separately from non-hazardous waste in a secure, bunded, and labelled area.
Liquid waste requires secondary containment — drums and IBCs must be stored within a bunded enclosure.
Poor waste storage attracts vermin, creates fire hazards, and generates complaints from neighbours and the public.
Waste stored for more than 12 months without an environmental permit may be classed as illegal waste deposit.
Overflowing or poorly managed waste areas are a common finding during HSE and Environment Agency site inspections.
Wind-blown litter from uncovered skips can cause environmental harm and damage community relations.

Prevent pollution	Leaking waste containers and uncontained liquids can contaminate soil and groundwater, creating long-term environmental damage.
Fire prevention	Accumulated combustible waste near buildings or site boundaries creates a serious arson and accidental fire risk.
Legal compliance	Failing the duty of care for waste storage can result in enforcement notices, fines, and criminal prosecution.

Do

Don't

Use clearly labelled skips and containers for each waste stream on the site layout plan.
Store hazardous waste in a separate, secure, bunded area with appropriate warning signs.
Cover skips with nets or lids to prevent wind-blown litter and rainwater accumulation.
Position waste storage areas on hard standing away from drains and watercourses.
Arrange regular collections to prevent waste building up beyond safe storage capacity.
Keep waste storage areas tidy, accessible for collection vehicles, and well lit.
Secure waste areas to prevent unauthorised access, dumping, and theft of materials.
Inspect waste storage areas weekly and record findings in the environmental log.
Place drip trays under any drums or containers that could leak liquid waste.
Clear your own work area of waste daily and transfer it to the designated storage point.

DON'T store waste directly on bare ground where liquids can soak into the soil.
DON'T mix hazardous and non-hazardous waste in the same skip or container.
DON'T allow waste skips to overfill above the rim — arrange additional collections.
DON'T store waste within 6 metres of any building or site boundary without assessment.
DON'T leave waste storage areas unlocked overnight or during site shutdown periods.
DON'T place incompatible hazardous wastes together — check compatibility before storing.
DON'T allow litter, packaging, or light waste to blow off site into public areas.
DON'T stockpile waste on site beyond the quantities and timescales in the permit.
DON'T dump waste in excavations, behind hoardings, or in hidden areas of the site.
DON'T ignore signs of vermin around waste areas — report to the site manager immediately.

See also: Waste Segregation on Site | Duty of Care and Waste Transfer Notes

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