We use this procedure to set out exactly how waste is managed across the business - hierarchy, duty of care, EWC codes, storage, carriers, the lot. It is the document we hand to new staff and the document the auditor walks through to evidence operational control.
This policy-procedure template is supplied in fully editable MS Word format and can be easily customised and edited. The document uses pre-defined style formatting throughout, with all text in Calibri font for improved readability.
The following document labelling is included in the footer:
- Procedure number and title
- Information-classification
- Version
- Page number / total pages
An amendment record is included so changes between issues can be tracked.
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Further guidance on waste management and the related clauses:
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To get access to this file please click on Add to Cart to purchase for immediate download. If you have an alphaZ Subscription just click on Download Files to view all the files available to download. This procedure is also included in every alphaZ ISO 14001 toolkit and integrated toolkit covering environmental management, so if you need the wider set of documents the toolkit route gives you this file plus everything else you need in one download.
If you'd like hands-on help putting your waste management arrangements in place or building out your wider environmental management system, our remote support services provide direct expert input from our team, by the day, by project, or on an ongoing basis.
Environmental Waste Management Policy Procedure Template
The PP-6-02 Environmental Waste Management Policy Procedure sets out how waste is managed across the organisation, from prevention and minimisation at source through to legal transfer and disposal. It is the operational document that turns the company's environmental policy commitments into the day-to-day arrangements that staff and contractors are expected to follow.
The procedure addresses every stage of the waste process - hierarchy, duty of care, classification, storage, carriers, documentation, hazardous waste, specific waste streams, spillage and fly-tipping response, and monitoring - so that the company can evidence operational control under ISO 14001 clause 8.1 and meet its statutory waste duty of care.
What the Procedure Covers
PP-6-02 is structured as a single waste management procedure with topic sections, so staff and auditors can find the relevant arrangements without navigating multiple documents:
- Waste Hierarchy - the framework for managing all waste streams in order of preference, from prevention through to disposal
- Duty of Care - the statutory duty applying to anyone who produces, keeps, stores, transports, treats or disposes of waste
- Waste Classification and EWC Codes - classification of waste streams using European Waste Catalogue codes, including the treatment of mirror entries
- Waste Storage - safe and secure storage arrangements to prevent leakage, contamination, scavenging and unauthorised access
- Waste Carriers and Permits - the checks applied before engaging any waste carrier or accepting changes to a waste management arrangement
- Waste Documentation - waste transfer notes, consignment notes and supporting records
- Hazardous Waste - special handling, segregation and consignment requirements
- Specific Waste Streams - dedicated handling for waste streams subject to specific regulatory regimes
- Waste Spillage - immediate response when a waste container leaks, overturns or releases during transfer
- Fly-tipping and Unauthorised Waste Activity - how unauthorised waste activity is reported and managed
- Waste Monitoring and Reporting - tracking waste arisings and recycling rates to support the company's environmental objectives
Aligned with ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 14001:2026
PP-6-02 has been refreshed for the current edition of the standard and remains aligned with both ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 14001:2026. The underlying waste management arrangements have not changed significantly between the two editions, so the procedure is suitable for organisations certified to either version - whether you are on the 2015 standard, working through the transition or already operating against 2026.
Waste management evidences operational control under clause 8.1 and is typically identified as a significant environmental aspect at clause 6.1.2. The refresh picks up the broader environmental scope introduced at clause 4.1 in ISO 14001:2026, where resource use and the circular-economy framing of the waste hierarchy sit naturally.
How It Fits with the Other Environmental Procedures
PP-6-02 is one of the operational procedures introduced by PP-6-01 Environmental Management and supplied alongside it in the toolkit:
- PP-6-03 Environmental Oils, Chemicals and COSHH
- PP-6-04 Environmental Emergency Response
- PP-6-05 Environmental Spills
- PP-6-06 Environmental Energy Management
If you prefer a single document rather than the procedure stack, the PP-6-100 Environmental Management Policy Procedure combines waste management with the other operational topics into one consolidated procedure.
Who Needs a Waste Management Procedure?
Every organisation operating an ISO 14001 environmental management system needs a documented procedure setting out how waste is managed. PP-6-02 is suitable for SMEs running an environmental management system in isolation or as part of an integrated management system. It is particularly important for organisations that produce significant volumes of waste, hazardous waste, or waste streams subject to specific regulatory regimes.
Included in Every ISO 14001 Toolkit
This procedure is included in every alphaZ ISO 14001 toolkit and integrated toolkit covering environmental management. If you are building or rebuilding a management system, the toolkit route is the most efficient way to get the full set of documents you need.
Works with the Environmental Policy
PP-6-02 sits alongside the P-2 Environmental Policy. The policy is the top-level statement of commitment approved by top management; the policy-procedure is the operating document that turns those commitments into the day-to-day waste management arrangements staff and contractors are expected to follow.