Every business produces waste, but some businesses produce waste that needs special handling, as they cannot go into the regular landfill-bound trash. Small business owners are responsible for managing every aspect of their operations, especially hazardous waste disposal. This responsibility might sound challenging, but a well-structured management plan ensures you stay compliant with federal, regional, and local rules and regulations while protecting the environment and surrounding community. We’ve discussed the dos and don’ts of small business waste disposal; now, here’s a basic guide to creating a hazardous waste management plan that works.
A hazardous waste management plan outlines the procedures your business must follow to safely handle hazardous materials, following industry standards and the law. This plan is crucial for preventing environmental pollution and ensuring employees and those in the surrounding area are safe from potential pollution, leaks, and worse. The benefits of having a hazardous waste management plan far outweigh the drawbacks. Here are a few basic steps to avoid fines, accidents, and even tragedy while minding the costs; however, you should always consult your legal representative for greater details.
Conduct a waste audit to see how much of each kind of trash you’re producing. Hazardous waste takes the form of liquids, solids, gases, or sludges, and it’s not always readily identifiable. Some waste facilities consider disinfectants, pesticides, herbicides, paints, and similar items hazardous waste, even if they seem relatively harmless. Look for properties such as ignitability, toxicity, reactivity, and corrosiveness.
Familiarize yourself with regulations governing hazardous waste. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) provide facilities and companies in the United States with guidelines on handling and disposing of hazardous waste. You may even need permits depending on the quantity and type of waste your business generates. Find out when a hazardous waste permit is necessary to ensure your company’s compliance.
Start by determining the proper containment and labeling practices. Explore safe storage practices and decide if you have or must build proper housing for your hazardous waste before you dispose of it. Lastly, hire a credentialed and respected disposal company and discuss how they will transport your waste to disposal sites. Make sure your employees receive periodic training in these procedures to ensure safety and compliance.
Determine the best disposal methods for your hazardous waste with the help of the disposal company you hire. This method could involve recycling, treatment, secure landfill disposal, or a mixture of all three. Partner only with licensed waste disposal companies that comply with all regulations and ask for proof.
Keep detailed records of all hazardous waste activities, including its generation, storage, transport, and disposal. Documentation is essential for regulatory compliance and can help in the event of an audit or inspection. Avoid fines and other challenges by ensuring all your ducks are in a row.
That’s a basic guide to creating a hazardous waste management plan. Creating one is an essential step for any small business dealing with hazardous materials. By following these steps, you can ensure your business operates safely, efficiently, and in compliance with all regulations—which is good for you, your company, your employees, and the community at large!
