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Understand Your
Waste Types

“Energy flows where intention goes.”
- Rhonda Byrne

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Need a waste management solution?

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What Is A Waste Type?

A waste type means the type and movement of
waste from its source to its final disposal. Waste
comes in many different forms and can be either
hazardous or non-hazardous.

General Waste
Hazardous Waste

What Is The Difference Between Non-Hazardous & Hazardous Waste Types?

Waste is classified based on the risk it poses to human health and the environment. The two main categories are non-hazardous (general) and hazardous waste.

Non-Hazardous (General) Waste

This includes waste that does not pose an immediate threat to people or the environment. It typically consists of:

  • Household refuse
  • Construction and demolition debris
  • Inert materials (like rubble or sand)
  • Business-related discards (e.g. paper, packaging)

These waste types are generally safe to handle and are regulated under waste legislation for non-hazardous substances, as outlined in Section 69 of the National Environmental Management: Waste Act.

Source www.sawic.environment.gov.com

Hazardous Waste

Hazardous waste, by contrast, contains substances that are toxic, reactive, flammable, corrosive, or infectious. It requires specialised handling, treatment, and disposal due to the potential harm it can cause to people and the planet.

Knowing the difference — and classifying waste correctly — is critical to maintaining legal compliance and reducing environmental risk.



Source www.sawic.environment.gov.com

Why Is It Important To Understand Your Waste Type?

Understanding your waste streams is the first step toward responsible, efficient, and compliant waste management.

At Interwaste, our integrated waste management approach is grounded in global best practices and aligned with the waste hierarchy, which defines how different types of waste should be treated and disposed of.

By accurately identifying your waste type and aligning it with the most suitable disposal or treatment method, we help you:

  • Ensure legislative and regulatory compliance
  • Reduce your environmental impact
  • Unlock operational cost savings
  • Implement more sustainable practices
  • Gain a distinct competitive advantage

 

No matter the source – whether general or hazardous waste – your waste streams can be effectively managed with the right strategy and expert support.

 

General Waste
Hazardous Waste

Hazardous Waste

When it comes to hazardous waste, safety, compliance, and environmental responsibility are non-negotiable. Interwaste offers a fully integrated hazardous waste management solution – from accurate classification and safe collection to treatment, energy recovery, and compliant disposal.

Our innovative approach ensures that your hazardous waste is handled efficiently, minimising environmental risk while helping you meet stringent regulatory requirements.

Let Interwaste guide you toward safer, smarter, and more sustainable hazardous waste solutions.

Examples of Hazardous Waste We Manage:

  • Gaseous Waste
  • Mercury-Containing Waste
  • Batteries
  • POP (Persistent Organic Pollutant) Waste
  • Pesticide-Containing Waste
  • Inorganic Waste
  • Asbestos
  • Waste Oils
  • Organic Waste (with or without Halogens or Sulphur)
  • Solvents (with or without Halogens or Sulphur)
  • Tarry & Bituminous Waste
  • Metal Scraps
  • Health Care Risk Waste
  • Sewage Sludge
  • Other Complex or Regulated Waste Streams

Let us help you achieve a more sustainable outcome with your general waste.

General Waste

Not all waste is created equal, and understanding waste types is key to responsible management. General waste consists of non-hazardous materials like food scraps, packaging, and office waste that need proper disposal even if they aren't recyclable.

With advances in waste technology, general waste can be seen as a potential resource. Interwaste offers smart, sustainable solutions that help businesses reduce landfill use and achieve their environmental goals.

Examples of general waste we manage include:

  • Municipal Waste
  • Commercial & Industrial Waste
  • Electronic Waste
  • Organic Waste
  • Brine
  • Fly Ash & Dust
  • Bottom Ash
  • Slag
  • Mineral Waste
  • Sewage Sludge
  • Construction & Demolition Waste
  • Paper, Glass, Plastic, and Metal

Let us help you achieve a more sustainable outcome with your general waste.
Discover More About Recycling

Partner with Interwaste

Contact us on any of the below channels or click the button below to view our depots.

Customer care: +27 11 323 7300 / Sales enquires: +27 87 803 0909 / Email: info@interwaste.co.za / Address: 2 Brammer Street, Industries East, Germiston South, Gauteng / Postal: PO Box 382, Germiston, 1400, Republic of South Africa

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