How Proper Waste Disposal Saves Your Business Money
December 26, 2018

The Environmental Protection Agency has developed rules and regulations for the handling, transportation, and disposal of almost every type of hazardous and non-hazardous material in the United States. By using the right protocols and processes companies can save both time and money when they have to dispose of any type of waste that may be harmful to the environment. By hiring companies that specialize in the handling, transportation, and disposal of various types of hazardous and non-hazardous wastes, they will be able to remain in compliance with EPA guidelines and avoid having to pay hefty fines and fees. Companies who are caught violating these protocols and guidelines may be required to pay severe fines, plus pay for the cost of any environmental clean-up that may be required.

Hazardous and Non-Hazardous Waste Compliance
Hazardous and Non-hazardous waste compliance protocols are designed to reduce the impact that companies and private citizens have on the environment. While most of these rules and regulations pertain to disposing of materials and by-products produced during manufacturing processes, they also deal with spills and leaks that may be unintentional, but nonetheless harmful. Whether the release of hazardous or non-hazardous waste is intentional or not, fines may still be levied against those responsible. It’s important to know and understand the information contained in MSDS sheets as well as the guidelines put in place by the EPA in regards to the handling, transportation, and disposal of any type of waste, either hazardous or non-hazardous.

Chemical Lab Packing Services and Disposal
The disposal of chemical lab packs and any by-products that were created during the use of their use must be carefully handled. Laboratory chemical disposal methods will vary depending on the material in question. In some cases, the chemicals themselves may be harmless. It is when they are mixed with or exposed to other substances, that toxic by-products are produced. Laboratory waste disposal services that specialize in the handling, transportation, and disposal of these types of materials have the knowledge and expertise that allows them to get rid of the waste without having a negative impact on the environment.

Laboratory Chemical Disposal and Lab Pack Service
Laboratory chemical waste disposal and lab pack services work hand in hand to make sure companies remain in compliance with EPA protocols and guidelines when it comes to the transportation and disposal of these types of substances. Lab packs can contain any number of chemicals or substances. A lab pack and chemical disposal service has the equipment that is required to separate and contain these substances in a way that they do not blend together and create any type of hazardous waste situation that would adversely affect the environment.

Lab Disposal Services
Lab pack disposal services will use different types of protective gear as well as specialized containers that will be used to prevent the hazardous and non-hazardous materials from leaking or spilling. Containers are designed according to the disposal requirements put in place by the EPA. For example, some containers are lined with lead or other materials to prevent the release of radiation. There are also labeling protocols that contain vital information on what type of material is in the container. Labels must be visible and contain all of the information necessary for proper shipment and disposal of the substance. Labels must also be dated and any required stickers that designate special handling must be placed nearby.

Lab Pack Management
Lab pack management deals with not only how materials of disposed of but also how they are handled and stored. This involves accurate record keeping and collecting any information that pertains to the handling of both hazardous and non-hazardous materials used within a laboratory environment. Part of this includes maintaining an accurate and current copy of the MSDS sheet for each substance. These Material Safety Data Sheets must be easily accessible to anyone who uses or may come in contact with the substances in question. Lab pack management services must also have any equipment or protective gear that is needed for the safe handling of such substances on hand at all times.

Specimen Disposal
Specimen disposal often includes the disposal of animal specimens, including some dissected specimens that have been preserved in either formaldehyde or formalin. These items must be placed in the appropriate containers, although only human specimens are required to be placed in receptacles clearly labeled with the “bio-hazard” symbol. Just as with any type of hazardous and non-hazardous waste disposal, all protocols and guidelines put in place by the EPA must be strictly followed. If these guidelines are not followed, severe fines may be levied against the company or laboratory responsible for producing the waste in question.

Hazardous Waste Management
Companies in charge of managing hazardous waste disposal can be hired to remove many types of hazardous material from your laboratory, manufacturing facility or any other area where they are being stored. This type of management may also include radioactive waste disposal. Rad waste disposal requires specific permits and all containers must be properly identified and labeled, just like other forms of hazardous waste. When it comes to transporting these two types of waste, specific routes must be taken that eliminate traveling through residential neighborhoods. The disposal guidelines and protocols for both radioactive and hazardous waste are extremely strict. Violating these guidelines in any way will result in heavy fines as well as the possibility of criminal charges if a spill or leak occurs.

Chemical Waste Management
Chemical waste disposal and management include every aspect of managing various types of chemical waste. Not only does it involve the handling, transportation, and disposal, it also includes the storage of the waste until arrangements have been made for its proper disposal. It is the job of the person in charge of managing these materials and processes to maintain an updated and current copy of MSDS sheets for every chemical, hazardous and non-hazardous, kept on the premises. This person is also responsible for keeping accurate records concerning every aspect of the materials use, transportation, and disposal, including labeling and any other important information that may be required by the EPA during an environmental audit.

Transportation and Disposal of Hazardous and Non-Hazardous Waste
Before any type of hazardous or radioactive form of waste is disposed of, permits must be obtained in order for it to be transported. This process also includes making sure the right containers are used to prevent any of the material from leaking or being spilled. Although the transportation and disposal of non-hazardous wastes may not require specific permits, great care must be taken to ensure that the right containers are used and that all guidelines and protocols that have been put in place by the EPA are carefully followed.
Specific routes are often used to prevent toxic, hazardous, or radioactive materials from being taken through residential or highly congested areas. These routes must be approved according to EPA guidelines. In order for a shipment of hazardous materials to leave a facility, proper documentation must accompany the shipment. This includes a copy of the route, bill of lading, disposal instructions, any required permits, and in some cases, MSDS sheets that go into detail in terms of handling spills or leaks.

Hazardous Waste Fuel Blending
Hazardous waste treatment options include various types of disposal methods. Hazardous waste incineration is just one way that many materials are being disposed of. Hazardous and non-hazardous waste incineration is now being used to convert waste to energy without having to bury or sink contaminated forms of waste. Off-spec chemical disposal and out-of-date product disposal are also frequently disposed of through the use of incinerators.

Non-Hazardous Waste Disposal
Although non-hazardous waste disposal has fewer restrictions, great care must still be taken when disposing of any type of waste. Non-Hazardous waste is often transported to facilities with incinerators and used as part of waste to energy programs. Because the material is non-hazardous, there is less risk of damage to the environment if the waste is burned instead of buried. Even with this type of disposal, proper paperwork must accompany every shipment and accurate records must be kept.

Anodizing and Plating Waste Disposal
Anodizing and plating waste disposal may vary depending on what hazardous wastes are included in the mix. This also includes powder coating disposal. In some cases, technicians with specific training may be required to handle this type of waste. The nature of this type of plating waste disposal and its high level of toxicity makes it a threat to wildlife that lives in and near the water. Special permits may be required to both transport and dispose of these types of waste.

Hazardous and Non-Hazardous Ink Disposal
Inks used in the printing industry can be classified as both hazardous and non-hazardous. Magnetic inks used in the creation of financial documents require special disposal methods aside from those used for non-hazardous forms of ink. Environmental audits are regularly performed for companies involved in any type of printing process simply because of the amount of waste generated during the manufacturing process. Permits may be required for the transportation and disposal of inks and by-products created during the manufacturing process. Before the materials can be disposed of, all of the necessary documentation must be gathered and sent with the material to the disposal facility.

Paint Waste Disposal
Waste paint disposal is another type of process that may require special accommodations. Paints can be classified as hazardous and non-hazardous, just like inks. This means that before a paint or paint product can be disposed of, it must be classified and accurately labeled. If the paint is determined to be hazardous, then special permits may be required before it can be transported and disposed of. It’s essential that accurate records be maintained about the paint’s storage, handling, transportation prior for it being shipped away for disposal.

At Environmental Marketing Services, all of your questions concerning transportation and disposal methods can be addressed providing you with the information you need to remain in compliance with EPA guidelines. Call to schedule an informative meeting so that you can ensure that you follow all of the guidelines and protocols that are in place for the type of hazardous and non-hazardous waste you work with.

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