Hazardous waste plagues businesses of all shapes and sizes in all industries. Our world continues to work towards increasing energy efficiency while also reducing hazardous waste. There are a few different ways to manage disposal of your hazardous waste and this site is intended to help individuals and businesses alike in disposing of wastes in accordance with all local, state and federal regulations.
The first step to managing your hazardous waste disposal is to develop a plan! I know it sounds pretty silly; but, a well-written plan can make managing your facility’s waste much easier and it also looks good in the event you are audited by a local, state or federal agency. There are different requirements for each type of generator. This plan should spell out at least three main objectives: who is responsible for managing the hazardous waste; where will the hazardous waste be stored or accumulated; and where the hazardous waste will be sent for final disposal. It’s my firm opinion that these three items are the most crucial for proper disposal of hazardous wastes generated from by facility; but, with a little bit of research these can be relatively simple to resolve.
Any individual who is going to handle and manage hazardous waste should receive training specific to their level of involvement. Each company typically designates a few managers or key personnel who are usually onsite to manage where the waste is stored and who can release (signing a bill of lading or uniform hazardous waste manifest) the waste for disposal. The most common one used by individuals in the environmental industry is called Hazwoper; but, there are less expensive programs that adequately prepare assigned representatives. Hazardous waste needs to be stored in a safe and secure area that will not pose any risk to humans or the environment. It is strongly recommended that your hazardous waste containers be stored in accumulation areas and/or satellite areas that are NOT exposed to the weather. A little hazardous waste mixed with a lot of rain can spell disaster for the environment and your company.
Disposal of hazardous waste can be the most frustrating aspect of managing your program. There are certain questions that must be asked in order to protect your organization. While cost is usually the first factor people determine many often forget to inquire about compliance and the level of service provided. Where will this end up? Is there a better way to dispose of the material? Can it be re-used in another process? Is the company I’m using now keeping me in compliance? It’s important to note that some companies will provide you all-inclusive pricing per container while others will line item each of their charges on the invoice after it has been removed. Both have pros and cons and I will discuss them in more detail in future postings.