Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to appoint a qualified and experienced service provider to handle the collection, transportation, and environmentally responsible disposal/treatment of hazardous waste, including healthcare risk waste such as expired media reagents, chemicals, ethidium bromide, and incineration ash. The service aims to ensure safe, compliant, and environmentally sustainable management of hazardous waste generated by the Allerton Provincial Veterinary Laboratory and district veterinary offices over a 24-month period.

Scope

The scope of work includes:

• Classification, collection, transportation, and disposal or treatment of hazardous wastes, including laboratory chemicals, biological waste, and incineration ash.
• Provision of suitable chemical waste containers (20-25 litre containers, drums, etc.) with bases and lids.
• Handling of household hazardous waste, including classification, management, and disposal plans.
• Provision of trained personnel, including supervisors, for waste handling and disposal operations.
• Transporting waste using vehicles equipped with spill kits, marked appropriately, and meeting legal and safety standards.
• Use of approved treatment facilities with certification, regular audits, and contingency plans.
• Provision of waste containers compliant with UN and SABS standards, with electronic tracking from cradle to grave.
• Issuance of necessary documentation such as collection certificates, disposal certificates, and manifests.
• Reporting, site visits, and compliance with all relevant legislation and environmental standards.

Technical Requirements

The technical requirements specify that the service provider must:

• Be certified, qualified, and experienced in hazardous waste management, with a proven track record.
• Provide containers that are SABS tested, UN approved, correctly color-coded, labeled, and electronically trackable.
• Ensure vehicles are registered as dangerous goods carriers, equipped with spill kits, tracking devices, and meet all legal standards (SANS codes, Road Traffic Act).
• Employ trained drivers with valid PrDP licenses and conduct regular microbial testing on vehicles.
• Operate a treatment facility that is certified, regularly audited, and capable of destroying waste without health or environmental risks.
• Ensure waste ash from incineration is disposed of at designated hazardous landfills.
• Provide all necessary waste management documentation for each consignment.
• Respond within 72 hours for emergency site visits and ensure timely collection and disposal.

Skills Requirements

The skills and qualifications required from the service provider include:

• Certified expertise in hazardous waste classification, handling, transportation, and disposal.
• Qualified personnel trained in hazardous waste management, including supervisors and drivers.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation such as NEMWA Waste Management Regulations, SANS standards, and environmental health and safety protocols.
• Ability to provide compliant waste containers, tracking systems, and documentation.
• Experience in operating certified treatment facilities and conducting environmental audits.
• Capability to prepare disposal plans, risk assessments, and ensure health and safety compliance.