When it comes to hazardous waste, ADR, toxic-harmful waste or asbestos, a “sturdy” big bag is not enough. You need UN-approved packaging that is designed, tested and certified for the transport of dangerous goods according to the ADR regulations, RID, IMDG and the like.

UN-approved big bags (often identified as Dangerous Goods FIBCs) undergo specific tests for mechanical strength, drop, stacking, dynamics and tightness. Only after passing these tests can they bear the UN mark with all the required information: type of packaging, material, packaging group, year and country of manufacture, and certifying body.

In the field of waste, UN big bags are essential when the EWC code and classification of the waste make the substance a dangerous good for transportation purposes. Even more stringent is the case with asbestos: regulations require dedicated bags and big bags with clearly defined specifications for strength, closure, labeling and hazard symbology.

The most frequent errors found in business are:

• Use of generic, unmarked UN big bags for waste that should travel in approved;
• illegible or incomplete markings, exposing producer and transporter to penalties;
• choice of bags with flow rates or safety factors that are not appropriate for the actual weight of the waste;
• Incorrect outdoor storage, resulting in fabric degradation and loss of performance.

Working with a specialized supplier allows you to be guided in reading UN codes, verifying the ADR requirements of your waste stream, and choosing the right format (capacity, size, accessories). Sebino Pack can support both the waste producer and the environmental consultant in defining the correct UN big bag “familia” for the different types of waste handled.

Investing in approved packaging is not only a regulatory requirement, but a way to greatly reduce the risk of spills, loading/unloading accidents , and disputes with carriers and destination facilities.