How can commercial waste disposal be carried out in a way that protects the environment and resources? Climate and environmental protection are important issues worldwide. Extreme weather conditions, heat waves and heavy rainfall are already showing the consequences today. Economic growth and an ever-increasing population are exacerbating the challenges.
Proper waste disposal in your company
Environmental protection begins with the proper disposal of sales packaging and waste. Pollution of the natural environment is a growing problem due to improper waste disposal. Hazardous waste and special waste in particular can affect quickly human health. Incorrectly disposed of waste damages habitats such as oceans, forests and soil.
For companies, sustainable and resource-saving commercial waste disposal is just as important as electronic waste recycling. Private households also bear responsibility, but companies often generate larger amounts of waste and therefore have a special obligation.
Important aspects of commercial waste disposal:
- Proper waste separation is essential
- Recycling reuses existing resources and saves raw materials
- Proper disposal prevents damage to the environment and health
- Legal requirements ensure compliance with environmentally friendly standards
- Companies benefit from sustainable disposal solutions and strengthen their sense of responsibility
In this article we show, how waste management works in companies and which laws apply to sustainable and legally compliant commercial waste disposal.
What is commercial waste? – a definition
Commercial waste is generated in businesses such as crafts, trade or services. It is often similar to household waste, but also includes hazardous waste such as chemicals, waste oil or electronic scrap. This type of waste must not be disposed of with household waste, as it poses a risk to the environment and health.
Commercial waste disposal – what regulations are there?
Commercial waste disposal differs from that of a private household because commercial waste is also present. But what does commercial waste disposal look like? What are the requirements?
Since 2003, commercial waste disposal has been regulated by the Commercial Waste Ordinance (GewAbfV), which was modified and renewed in 2017 and 2019. It states the following:
- Commercial waste should be separated at the place where it is generated.
- Waste separation has been expanded
- Waste disposal by companies must be documented even more strictly.
This does not include electronic waste and batteries, which are subject to specific legislation under the WEEE Directive and the Battery Act. Deutsche Recycling will be happy to advise you on this matter.
What are the objectives of the Commercial Waste Ordinance?
The Commercial Waste Ordinance pursues clear objectives for commercial waste disposal:
- Promoting sustainable waste recycling
- Burn less rubbish
- Recycle more waste
- Increase recycling rate from 7 to 30 per cent
- Save resources and energy
The intention behind the Commercial Waste Ordinance for commercial waste disposal is to ensure that waste is recycled as sustainably as possible. In addition, the proportion of waste that is incinerated is to be reduced. Another aim of the ordinance is to increase the proportion of waste that is recycled. This includes an increase in the recycling rate for commercial waste disposal from 7 to 30 per cent. Recycling is important because it consumes fewer resources and saves energy.
Who does the regulation apply to?
The Commercial Waste Regulation applies to:
- Owners and producers of commercial municipal waste
- Businesses, public and private institutions, and freelancers
- Owners and producers of construction and demolition waste
- Operators of pre-treatment and processing plants
The Commercial Waste Ordinance regulates commercial waste disposal for owners and producers of municipal waste from commercial sources. This includes businesses, private and public institutions and freelancers. However, the legal ordinance governing commercial waste disposal also applies to owners and producers of construction and demolition waste and pre-treatment and processing plants.
What does this mean for waste disposal for businesses?
The Commercial Waste Ordinance stipulates stricter waste separation.
Commercial waste disposal requires separation into:
- Paper
- Glass
- Plastics
- Metals
- Organic waste
- Wood
- Textiles
Construction waste is divided into:
- Bricks
- Insulation
- Tiles and ceramics
- Concrete
- Bitumen mixtures
In addition, stricter documentation requirements are planned for commercial waste disposal. Documentation is mandatory and covers the waste generated per waste collection point or per construction project.
How is commercial waste disposal documented?
The documentation for commercial waste disposal consists of the following points:
- Description of the local conditions, the composition of the waste and the disposal
- For each type of waste: description of the intended destination of the waste, the mass and the specialist disposal company
- If it is not possible to separate all of the waste produced, you must explain the circumstances that lead to mixed commercial waste. This may be due to insufficient technical capabilities or economic reasons. Examples include insufficient quantities of waste or contamination of the waste.
The documentation for commercial waste disposal can be provided on paper or electronically.
How can commercial waste disposal be successfully managed?
At Deutsche Recycling, we are your competent and reliable partner for environmental compliance and commercial waste disposal. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us! We look forward to helping you.
FAQ: Commercial waste disposal
How must companies prove that they are separating and collecting commercial waste?
According to Sections 3 and 4 of the Commercial Waste Ordinance, companies are obliged to collect their waste separately. Proper separation and disposal must be documented by means of weighing records or weighing logs and transfer notes, as well as an operating log This evidence must be presented to the competent authority upon request.
What happens if a company does not comply with the requirements of the Commercial Waste Ordinance?
Violations of the Commercial Waste Ordinance can be punished as administrative offences with fines. In the case of serious or repeated violations, fines of up to may €100,000 be imposed (Section 15 GewAbfV in conjunction with Section 69 of the Closed Substance Cycle Waste Management Act). In addition, the competent authority may order that the inadequate waste separation be rectified.
When may mixed waste be collected as an exception?
Separate collection is mandatory. Mixed collection is only permitted if this is technically impossible or economically unreasonable. You must justify these exceptions in writing to and document them in each individual case (Section 8 GewAbfV). The reasons for the exceptions will be carefully examined by the authorities.
What special requirements apply to hazardous waste (e.g. from trade or industry)?
Hazardous waste is subject to the Waste Documentation Ordinance (NachwV) and must be accompanied by an electronic documentation procedure (eANV). Companies must also dispose of hazardous waste in approved specialist companies and document the entire disposal process without gaps. Delivery to unauthorised disposal companies is prohibited.
