WASTE MANAGEMENT STATEMENT
At H Marine, we recognize our profound responsibility to protect the marine environment and minimize our ecological footprint. This Waste Management Statement outlines our comprehensive approach to reducing, reusing, recycling, and responsibly disposing of all waste generated through our marine electrical operations. We are committed to exceeding regulatory requirements, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship among our team, and striving for continuous improvement to achieve a sustainable future. Through proactive measures, specific goals, and strong partnerships, H Marine aims to be a leader in environmentally responsible marine services.
Introduction
H Marine is dedicated to delivering high-quality marine electrical services while upholding a steadfast commitment to environmental protection. We understand that our operations generate various waste streams, some of which are hazardous, and require diligent management to prevent harm to the environment and human health. This statement serves as a guiding document for all H Marine personnel, outlining our policies, procedures, and aspirations for effective and responsible waste management.
Our Commitment & Core Principles
H Marine is committed to the following principles in all aspects of our waste management:
- Minimisation: Actively seeking to reduce the quantity of waste generated at its source.
- Reuse: Prioritising the reuse of materials and components where safe and practical.
- Recycling: Maximising the recycling of waste materials to divert them from landfill.
- Responsible Disposal: Ensuring that all waste, particularly hazardous materials, is collected, treated, and disposed of in an environmentally sound and legally compliant manner.
- Compliance: Adhering strictly to all relevant local, state, and Australian federal environmental legislation and regulations.
Specific Waste Stream Management
We employ specific strategies for the effective management of various waste streams generated by our operations:
- Batteries: All spent marine batteries (e.g., lead-acid, lithium-ion, alkaline) are segregated at the point of generation, stored securely in designated, acid-resistant containers, and collected by licensed hazardous waste contractors. These are then sent to specialized facilities for recycling and safe disposal of corrosive materials.
- Electrical Components (E-Waste): Damaged, obsolete, or non-repairable electrical components, including circuit boards, wiring, light fittings, navigation equipment, and electronic devices, are separated from general waste. These are sent to approved e-waste recycling centers that recover valuable materials and ensure proper disposal of potentially harmful substances. We also actively seek to repair or refurbish components where possible to extend their lifespan.
- Oils and Lubricants: Used engine oils, hydraulic fluids, and other lubricants are carefully drained, stored in designated, bunded containers with appropriate labelling to prevent spills and contamination. These are regularly collected by certified waste oil recyclers for reprocessing.
- Plastics: We actively work to minimise the use of single-use plastics in our operations. All recyclable plastic packaging from parts and equipment (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene) is segregated and sent for appropriate recycling. Non-recyclable plastics are disposed of responsibly through general waste streams.
- Scrap Metals: Various scrap metals, including copper wiring offcuts, aluminium, and stainless steel components, are segregated and collected for metal recycling.
- General Waste: Non-recyclable, non-hazardous general waste is compacted where possible and disposed of through licensed waste management services. We continually review our processes to reduce the volume of general waste.
Hazardous Waste Management & Emergency Procedures
H Marine maintains stringent protocols for the identification, handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. This includes, but is not limited to, paints, solvents, thinners, aerosols, adhesives, and any materials contaminated with hazardous substances.
- Storage: All hazardous waste is stored in clearly labelled, appropriate containers in designated, secure, and bunded areas to prevent leaks, spills, and environmental contamination.
- Disposal: Hazardous waste is collected exclusively by licensed hazardous waste contractors who provide certified disposal documentation, ensuring traceability and compliance.
Emergency Spill Procedures:
In the event of a hazardous waste spill, H Marine employees are trained to follow our documented spill response plan. This plan includes immediate containment of the spill using appropriate spill kits, notification of supervisors and relevant authorities (e.g., EPA Victoria), and safe clean-up procedures to prevent environmental contamination and protect personnel. Regular drills are conducted to ensure preparedness.
Sustainability Goals & Metrics
H Marine is committed to measurable progress in waste reduction and recycling. Our current goals include:
- Waste to Landfill Reduction: H Marine aims to reduce the volume of general waste sent to landfill by 15% by the end of 2026 through improved segregation and recycling initiatives
- Recycling Rate Increase: We commit to increasing the overall recycling rate of marine electrical components (e.g., copper wiring, circuit boards) by 10% year-on-year
- Hazardous Waste Minimisation: Annual audits will track the disposal of hazardous waste, with a target to minimise its generation by exploring alternative, less hazardous materials where feasible, reducing volumes by 5% annually
- Sustainable Procurement: Prioritise suppliers and products with minimal packaging and take-back schemes for end-of-life products
Employee Training & Awareness
We believe that an informed workforce is crucial for effective waste management. All H Marine personnel receive regular and comprehensive training on our Waste Management Statement, covering:
- Proper waste identification and segregation at the source
- Safe handling and storage protocols for hazardous waste
- Emergency spill response procedures
- The importance of waste minimisation and recycling in their daily tasks
This ensures a consistent and informed approach across all H Marine operations, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility.
Compliance & Regulatory Framework
H Marine operates in strict compliance with all relevant environmental legislation and regulations within Australia, including those set by the Commonwealth, State (e.g., Environment Protection Authority Victoria), and local governments.
Our operations are specifically approved under ERA 49 (Environmentally Relevant Activity 49 – Waste Management). This regulatory framework mandates stringent standards for waste handling, storage, and disposal, ensuring our practices meet and often exceed environmental protection requirements, providing assurance of our responsible environmental stewardship.
Continuous Improvement
H Marine is dedicated to continuous improvement in our waste management performance. We regularly review our policies and procedures, conduct internal audits, and assess our waste generation patterns to identify new opportunities for reduction, reuse, and recycling. Feedback from employees, clients, and regulatory bodies is actively sought and integrated into our improvement processes.
Conclusion
H Marine is unwavering in its commitment to environmental protection. Through robust waste management strategies, a dedicated team, clear measurable goals, and strong partnerships, we strive to minimise our environmental impact and promote sustainability in the marine industry. We believe that responsible waste management is not just a regulatory obligation, but a fundamental aspect of our corporate responsibility and a key contributor to a healthier marine ecosystem for future generations.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about this policy please contact us here.
