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Hazardous waste requires proper handling throughout its lifespan to protect public health and the environment. Learn more about the laws that affect hazardous waste to make sure your hazardous waste disposal sites follow regulations.

Laws Affecting Hazardous Waste Disposal Sites

Since 1976, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act has governed handling and disposal of hazardous waste. They take a “cradle to grave” approach. The act governs recycling, treatment, and disposal of hazardous materials.

Many types of hazardous waste can be recycled safely, which reduces the environmental impact of these substances. Recycling also reduces the consumption of raw materials.

Recycling centers must follow EPA guidelines around the storage of hazardous materials to be recycled, to avoid contaminating soil or water through spills or leaks.

Hazardous waste disposal facilities are highly regulated, to protect the public health. Every hazardous waste disposal site must follow standards developed by the EPA. Standards cover approved containers for waste storage, transit of hazardous waste, and more. By following the standards, you’ll reduce the chance of an accident onsite.

As a reminder, hazardous waste should never be disposed of with regular trash, poured down the sewer drains, burned, or dumped on the ground. Hazardous material that is improperly disposed of will contaminate the soil, ground water, or nearby bodies of water, with disastrous affects for human health and the earth.

Some types of hazardous waste are governed by specific EPA guidelines. For example, cathode ray tubes, laboratory waste, used motor oil, and household hazardous waste all have specific protocols developed by the EPA. It’s easy to dispose of these materials by following the rules that are already in place.

Where to Set up Hazardous Waste Disposal Sites

Location is key when setting up hazardous waste disposal sites. Hazardous waste must be stored at least 15 feet from the edge of the property. Setting the disposal site near a loading dock is a wise strategy. This way, it’s easy for employees to access disposal bins. There’s also less chance of a spill. Plus, trucks can then load up and deliver waste to recycling centers.

After you select a location, think about waste streams. What are you collecting? What’s the best way to organize it for flow? Think it through, then organize the room so like is with like. This makes it easy to throw things out.

Certain materials require special handling. Flammable materials must be stored away from electrical elements to reduce risk of fire, for example.

Setting Up a Hazardous Waste Collection Program

Collection programs are an easy way to reclaim hazardous waste from the community and encourage proper waste disposal. To offer a collection program, advertise types of waste to be collected, such as used motor oil or medical waste. Then collect and securely store materials that’s turned in. For example, used motor oil can be stored in a plastic drum. When the drum is full, you can send it to be recycled.

Hazardous waste regulations change frequently. Make it a habit to review guidelines on a regular basis. This helps you keep up to date and implement any changes.

While there’s a lot to consider when setting up hazardous waste disposal sites, these tips will help you do it right the first time. Contact our team at Advanced Bio Solutions for all of your biohazard waste disposal needs.