Disposal Governance: How the Board Can Monitor Risks Without Assuming Operational Responsibilities

Introduction to Disposal Governance

Disposal governance refers to the set of practices and policies implemented to ensure that waste is managed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with current legislation, without transferring operational responsibilities to the board of directors. In corporate and institutional contexts, the board's role should focus on risk monitoring, ensuring legal compliance, and maintaining environmental and reputational integrity.

Board Responsibilities in Disposal Governance

According to Law No. 12,305/2010, which establishes the National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS), it is up to strategic managers to set guidelines that guarantee proper waste management, including disposal. However, operational responsibility is assigned to the technical or operational area, while the board assumes the role of oversight and monitoring.

This monitoring includes:

• Assessing risks related to improper disposal and environmental impacts;
• Ensuring that disposal practices are aligned with current legislation, such as the PNRS and the regulations of the National Solid Waste Management Information System (SINIR) - sinir.gov.br;
• Supervising sustainability and compliance indicators;
• Requiring regular audits and environmental governance reports.

Distinction Between Governance and Operation in Disposal

It is essential that the board maintains focus on governance, defining risk policies, compliance requirements, and performance indicators, without taking on the practical disposal activities. Operational execution should be carried out by specialized teams, adhering to technical and environmental standards detailed in specific legislations, such as the resolutions of the National Environment Council (CONAMA) and state regulations, for example, those of CETESB – cetesb.sp.gov.br.

Risk Monitoring in Waste Management

The board must implement continuous monitoring processes through governance and compliance tools to anticipate legal, environmental, and reputational risks. This includes:

• Periodic analysis of legal compliance and environmental regulations;
• Verification of the adequacy of contracts with waste service providers;
• Monitoring responsible electronic waste disposal practices, obtaining documentary proof and certificates that guarantee proper destination — for more information, including scheduling, visit electronic waste disposal;
• Monitoring safe sanitation of storage media, essential for the disposal of hard drives and other sensitive devices — learn more at secure hard drive disposal.

Implementation of Controls and Audits

The board should mandate the execution of internal and external audits that verify waste management compliance, the effectiveness of internal controls, and the fulfillment of defined environmental policies. These processes help reduce risks and strengthen governance.

Conclusion

The board's role in disposal governance is to monitor and control risks, ensure compliance, and protect environmental and reputational assets, without involving itself in technical operations. Observance of legislation such as Law No. 12,305/2010 and complementary regulations guarantees efficient and sustainable governance.