The management of hazardous special waste is a topic of great importance for companies, both in terms of environmental responsibility and regulatory compliance. A crucial component of this process is the transport of such materials, regulated by the Accord Dangereuses Route (ADR), the European agreement for the international carriage of dangerous goods by road. But what exactly does the ADR provide, and when is it necessary?
What are hazardous special wastes?
Special waste is classified according to its origin and characteristics. In general, waste produced by industrial, artisanal, health and commercial activities falls into this category, as it differs qualitatively and quantitatively from urban waste.
Hazardous special waste, in particular, contains substances that may pose a risk to human health or the environment. These include solvents, paints, used oils, chemical waste, batteries and electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) containing hazardous substances. The correct management of such waste is essential to avoid contamination of soil, water and air.
The Accord Dangerous Route (ADR): legislation and applications
The ADR is an international treaty that came into force in 1957, which regulates the road transport of dangerous goods, including hazardous special waste. Today, the ADR is adopted by most European countries, including Italy, and is updated every two years to take into account technological and regulatory developments.
The agreement includes obligations for the entire transport chain, in particular the following are subject to the regulation:
- The consignors (who in the case of intermediation coincide with the intermediary himself);
- The packers;
- The Chargers;
- The longshoremen;
- The fillers (for the tanks);
- The recipients;
- In addition to the carriers or transporters, of course.
Each actor in the chain has obligations to oversee.
The agreement establishes precise criteria for the packaging, labeling and transportation of these goods, with the aim of minimizing risks during the journey. Among the main provisions we find:
- Classification of dangerous goods: Substances are divided into classes (e.g. explosives, gases, flammable liquids, toxic or infectious substances).
- Vehicle and driver requirements: Vehicles must be approved and equipped with specific equipment. Drivers must have adequate training and an ADR certificate.
- Documentation: Each shipment must be accompanied by a declaration containing detailed information about the load.
With the Ministerial Decree of 7 August 2023, the legislator gave some specific indications and some exemption levels for the application of the regulation.
When is ADR transport necessary?
ADR transport becomes mandatory when the hazardous special waste falls into one of the categories classified as hazardous by the agreement. This means that any company that produces, collects or disposes of such waste is required to comply with ADR regulations if it involves road transport.
Among the most common cases we find:
- The transportation of chemical waste from laboratories or industries.
- The disposal of waste oils or solvents used in production processes.
- The movement of equipment and machinery containing hazardous materials.
Why is business waste considered special?
Waste produced by companies is defined as “special” because it comes from activities that generate different quantities and types of materials compared to household waste. The law distinguishes this waste to ensure adequate management, which takes into account its specific dangerousness and potential environmental impact. Companies are required to identify, classify and dispose of their waste according to specific procedures established by the Consolidated Environmental Act (Legislative Decree 152/2006).
Managing hazardous special waste is a responsibility that companies cannot underestimate. Understanding the Accord Dangereuses Route (ADR) is essential to ensure that the transport of such materials is carried out safely and in compliance with current regulations. Relying on professionals in the sector can make the difference, reducing operational risks and ensuring full legislative compliance. In this way, companies actively contribute to the protection of the environment and public health.