You need an incinerator but are unsure of the rules and regulations required to start, you have come to the right place. Incineration is the ability to massively reduce the volume of a wide range of waste, from its original size to as little as 3% after it has been through the incineration process, it also has the huge benefit of destroying bio security risks instantly.
Businesses that outsource waste disposal can save thousands every year by disposing of the waste themselves with their own incinerator. The application process to start this is quick, simple and straightforward and known as a SWIP licence, short for small waste incineration plant.
What is a small waste incineration plant and what is a SWIP licence?
SWIP licences were brought in to ensure that pollutant emissions are controlled and minimised, waste has to be incinerated under specific combustion conditions to meet regulatory requirements.
A SWIP incineration plant is defined as one that has a capacity less than or equal to 10 tonnes per day for hazardous waste or less than or equal to 3 tonnes per hour for non-hazardous waste, see below for a list of hazardous waste. You can apply for a SWIP licence through your local authority, it is normally a quick, easy straight forward process that will result in a permit being granted under completion.
Once a permit is obtained, the ongoing monitoring obligations will usually include the requirement for both frequent periodic and continuous monitoring of various pollutants including, heavy metals, dioxins and furans, chlorides and fluorides, combustion gases, particulates and volatile organic compounds. This is all done to make sure air pollution levels are at safe levels and there is no harm to surrounding areas within the UK. It sounds a highly detailed method but in reality it is carried out by a professional in a short about of time with data analysing equipment with quick results.
What is counted as hazardous waste?
Waste is generally considered hazardous if it (or the material or substances it contains) are harmful to humans or the environment. Examples of hazardous waste include:
- asbestos
- plastics
- chemicals, such as brake fluid or print toner
- batteries
- solvents
- pesticides
- oils (except edible ones), such as car oil
- equipment containing ozone-depleting substances, like fridges
- hazardous waste containers
It is these types of materials that require safe disposal, this is where a licence can not only give you a permit but great insight into knowing what is and isn't harmful to you and the environment.
SWIP licence costs:
SWIP licences are permitted through your local council thus pricing can slightly differ because of that. We always recommend enquiring about licencing costs before placing an order for an Inciner8 incinerator as then you know exactly how much you can potentially save.
This will also give you a full and clear understanding of the process your local authority goes through before and after a permit is awarded.
Conclusion:
Having your own incinerator allows you to potentially save money whilst increasing your reduction of unwanted waste straight away. This can mean a reduction in biosecurity risks for farms and medical infrastructures or a huge reduction in overall mass for general waste. Whatever you are using your incinerator for it is important to make sure you know the laws and have the permits required. They are easy and quick to obtain and it means we can keep air pollution levels down to safe levels.
For more information regarding licencing then please visit your local authorities website, for information regarding which incinerator will be suitable for your requirements then please contact us. For more information - How an Incinerator Works is a good starting point.
