The Safe Disposal of International Catering Waste (ICW): Processes, Protocols, and Legislative Requirements

Introduction

In the transport industry, the term International Catering Waste (ICW) applies to food waste, packaging and other catering-related materials that come from ships, aircraft and other forms of international transport. This waste can carry unwanted organisms and human and animal diseases, and so is considered a biosecurity threat. Because of this risk, there are stringent international and national regulations in place to ensure it is handled and disposed of properly.

At Novus Environmental, our experience and expertise means that we fully understand the complexities of ICW – both the regulations that apply to it and the practicalities of handling and disposal. We can fully comply with the highest environment and safety standards as we dispose of ICW. In this article, we’ll look at this legislation and the processes that govern the handling of ICW and how critical this compliance is within both the transport and waste management industries.

How ICW is Managed

1. Collection and Segregation

The first step in dealing with ICW is also the most vital – making sure that it is properly collected and separated from other types of waste. This means that aircraft and ship crews, their support services and port staff must be properly trained to identify and segregate ICW, and processes must be in place to enable them to do this. ICW must be stored in secure and clearly marked containers to prevent cross-contamination

2. Transportation

Only licensed waste carriers can legally transport ICW, to ensure traceability and accountability along the waste management chain. Vehicles and containers used for transport must meet biosecurity regulations, meaning they are secure and properly sealed (to prevent leakage or contamination while the waste is being transported) and the vehicle operators must properly clean and disinfect the vehicle between loads.

3. Treatment and Disposal

ICW is typically disposed of by incineration, or in some cases by deep burial in specialised approved facilities. Incineration is the preferred method since it ensures the complete destruction of the material and any associated organism, pathogens or other biological matter and any emissions or waste products remaining are sterile. Autoclaves and other high-temperature processing equipment may sometimes be used before incineration to guarantee the destruction and sterilisation of ICW.

Incinerators approved for ICW must meet rigorous and specific standards that include requirements for temperature control, monitoring and emissions. As well as the incinerator itself, the site itself must also be compliant regarding security, storage and handling to prevent the release of harmful materials.

4. Record-Keeping and Documentation

Detailed records of the quantity, collection, transportation, and disposal of ICW must be maintained to comply with legal requirements. These records provide an audit trail for regulatory authorities and help ensure that all waste is managed responsibly and within legal parameters.

Legislation Controlling ICW Disposal

Most countries around the world have legislation that covers the handling and disposal of ICW. Those with large agricultural sectors are more likely to have specific legislation dedicated to ICW, and those that also receive large volumes of international air and sea traffic usually have the most stringent and closely enforced requirements. This includes the European Union (EU), the United States of America, Canada and the United Kingdom. International bodies governing the aviation and marine industries also have their own rules that their members are bound to comply with. Companies receiving waste from international airports and seaports must ensure compliance with these regulations

1.EU Legislation

In the EU, ICW is classified as Category 1 waste under Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009. This regulation mandates that Category 1 waste, which poses the highest risk to public and animal health, must be disposed of by incineration or other authorised high-temperature treatment methods.

2.UK Legislation

The UK now adheres to The Animal By-Products (Enforcement) (England) Regulations 2013, which closely mirrors the EU’s requirements. The UK also classifies ICW as Category 1 waste, which also imposes stringent rules on handling, transportation and disposal. Waste management companies handling ICW require permits and licenses and there is a system of penalties for lack of compliance.

3. International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Regulations

The ICAO sets guidelines for the safe handling and disposal of waste from international flights, ensuring that all countries comply with standards that minimise the risk of disease transmission. ICAO’s guidelines often influence national regulations on ICW management in the aviation sector.

4.International Maritime Organization (IMO) Requirements

The IMO enforces similar standards for waste generated from ships, ensuring that ports and waste disposal services adhere to global regulations. These measures help prevent the spread of invasive species and protect marine ecosystems from contamination.

The Challenges of ICW

There are several challenges for the waste industry when it comes to ICW. These include:

• Compliance: Waste management companies must understand the complex nature of both international and national regulations, coming from governments and non-governmental organisations and fully comply with them.
• Infrastructure: Proper equipment to handle, transport and dispose of ICW is not available in all regions where ICW is generated. And not all disposal sites or equipment comply with the legislation.
• Cost: ICW management can be expensive. This due to the strict requirements for handling and disposal which requires specific and high-level equipment. Transport costs can also be high because of the specialised requirements and the distances ICW may need to be transported for compliant disposal.

At Novus Environmental, we’re specialists in providing compliant and efficient ICW disposal solutions. Our experienced, knowledgeable and dedicated team ensures all waste is handled in accordance with the latest legislation. This helps your business minimise risk, stay compliant and decrease its impact on the environment. We understand the challenges presented by ICW and can provide the most effective solutions.

Conclusion

The disposal of International Catering Waste is a highly regulated process that requires expertise, adherence to strict protocols, and a deep understanding of the associated legislative requirements. With the risk of disease transmission posing a significant threat, proper management of ICW is critical for safeguarding public health, protecting the environment, and complying with international laws.

Novus Environmental is committed to supporting our clients in meeting these requirements through comprehensive waste management services, ensuring safe, compliant, and environmentally responsible disposal of international catering waste.

How can Novus Environmental support you with the compliant disposal of international catering waste (ICW)?

• Diverse fleet of compliant BK2 approved vehicles
• National coverage
• Licensed disposal premises
• Airside licenses for all major UK Airports
• Access to all UK ports
• Members of the British Ports Association
• APHA, Port Health & Border Force preferred supplier