2-6. 10 Items to Check When Selecting and Contracting a Waste Disposal Company

Under the Waste Management and Public Cleansing Act, waste generators are held responsible for their waste disposal and must either properly dispose of the waste themselves or entrust it to a properly licensed waste disposal company. Even if the contractor disposes of the waste improperly, the waste generator may be held responsible, so it is extremely important to check when selecting a contractor and when signing a contract. Below we have compiled 10 items that you should always check when signing a contract.

1. Validity and scope of the permit

Make sure your industrial waste collection, transportation, and disposal license is still valid and covers the types of waste you are responsible for. Be sure to get a copy and regularly check for updates.

2. Location and type of treatment facility

Check where the actual treatment facility is located and how it will be treated (incineration, crushing, neutralization, final disposal, etc.). On-site inspections will increase reliability.

3. Manifest (industrial waste management slip) handling system

Check whether they have a system in place to issue and return manifests properly. Be wary of companies that frequently delay returns.

4. Track record of preventing improper disposal

We will investigate whether there has been any administrative sanctions or violations in the past. It is effective to check the information published by the local government.

5. Financial base and business continuity

Financial status and business scale must also be taken into consideration to avoid the risk of processing being delayed due to sudden business closure or bankruptcy.

6. Clarity of contractual terms

The outsourcing contract must clearly state the type, quantity, processing method, and scope of the waste to be processed, and must include all legally required information.

7. Emergency response capabilities

Check whether there are procedures in place to respond to accidents or disasters. This is especially important for waste that contains chemicals.

8. Information Disclosure Policy

Whether or not a company can provide appropriate information about the processing process and the condition after processing is an indicator of its reliability.

9. Employee training and qualifications

Ensure that drivers and treatment facility employees have the necessary qualifications and have received safety training.

10. Environmental Considerations and CSR Initiatives

Whether or not a company has an environmental management system in place and engages in CSR activities is also a factor in determining whether or not the company can be trusted in the long term.

By checking the above points and, if possible, conducting regular on-site audits, you can maintain the appropriateness of your contractor. Selecting and contracting with a waste disposal company is not just a simple administrative procedure, but is an important task that is fundamental to maintaining a company's compliance with laws and regulations and maintaining its social credibility.