What is a Waste Management System?

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Waste creation is inevitable for every human and company, but its disposal should be managed to prevent threats to public health and the environment. A great way to properly manage your waste is by hiring a proven waste management company. These specialized companies can implement their waste management system to provide crucial benefits and make the process of overlooking waste through its treatment or disposal headache free.

What is a Waste Management System?

A waste management system is an organized method for controlling and inventorying waste that has been created as a byproduct, is no longer needed for its original use, or has since expired. It is a specific checks and balances system to ensure the facility is properly accumulating, storing, auditing, and disposing of waste/materials. Each company should have a system, but some may need help due to the complexity of what they are creating as a by-product.

What are the Benefits of a Waste Management System?

Having a waste management system comes with many benefits, including:

1. Efficiency and Organization

There are many types of wastes that fall into specific categories and follow different types of regulations. In turn, this means that controlling, inventorying, and overall managing them can cause confusion and possible issues if there is no system in place. With a good waste management system, companies can use their resources to make sure that this is an organized process and completed in a efficient manner.

2. Safety

Waste, especially hazardous waste, can be dangerous to public health and the environment. By properly managing and storing these materials, there is less chance that an accident may occur. This also prevents future issues in relations to public health and environmental dangers if all the right steps are taken.

3. Regulatory Compliance

By having a waste management system, companies can better avoid regulatory issues. There are many departments that relate to waste management, including the Environmental Protection Agency for environmental protection and leak prevention, Occupational Safety and Health Administration for personnel safety and prevention of exposure, and Department of Transportation for safe transportation. Complying with the rules and regulations of these departments is extremely crucial, and a waste management system is able to balance all these different departments and cater to their regulations.

4. House Cleaning

A waste management system prevents clutter or forgotten material to fall to the wayside, which is harmful and doesn’t fully solve the problem of disposing of all waste. Having a clean facility is also crucial in each of the three benefits (efficiency and organization, safety, regulatory compliance) listed above.

Why Hire a Waste Management Company?

While a waste management system can be achieved on your own, using a waste management company enhances the benefits listed above and ensures the best job is done. Read below to see why hiring a waste management company can benefit your business.

  • They are familiar with rules and regulations. There are numerous regulations regarding waste management and these can be difficult to navigate, so having a company that understands these is extremely important.
  • When a regulation is added, changed or updated, they are on top of it. Regulations are ever-changing, which can lead to many issues. A waste management company avoids larger issues with its knowledge of the current regulations. If a company chooses not to use a waste management system, a new rule can get lost while juggling other business aspects and that can really harm the company.
  • Experience is crucial, and they’ve got it. A company with experience knows how to better manage specific waste situations. They’ve had to deal with many different scenarios if they have a lot of experience, so when yours arises, they will already know what to do. When you’re searching for a waste management provider, make sure to look for a company with experience and a positive track record.
  • Save the time of building relationships with disposal facilities. Having a positive relationship with disposal facilities is very helpful for scheduling and timely disposal. Having this relationship benefits both sides, but creating it can take some time. By using a waste management company with established relationships, they’ll help you to find a good date and time for disposals.
  • They make it as easy as possible for you. The waste management business can be unattractive for most people. Hiring a waste management company that provides turnkey services can prevent bigger issues in the future and allow you to focus on your business with worry-free ease.

EnviroServe’s Proprietary Waste Management System

EnviroServe utilizes a proprietary waste management system for tracking and managing waste amid hazardous waste regulations. For more information about EnviroServe’s waste management system and services, contact us or call (800) 488-0910.

hazardous waste container

How to Select the Right Hazardous Waste Container

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Hazardous waste management can be a daunting task, particularly when it comes to navigating regulations. But while it can be challenging, correctly managing your waste is critical to protect the well-being of those around you, the environment, and your business. Attention to detail is essential and must begin at the very moment hazardous waste is produced all the way through to its proper disposal. The first step is selecting a proper hazardous waste container.

There is no general rule of thumb to be used for all waste. Instead, selecting a suitable hazardous waste container depends on a variety of factors, including the constituents and concentration of the waste. Should an improper container be selected, this could result in an environmental release in your facility, creating the potential for unnecessary exposure. Additionally, monetary fines may be assessed by a regulatory agency.

To ensure you are doing your part to promote the proper management of hazardous waste, consider the steps below for selecting a hazardous waste container.

How to Select the Correct Hazardous Waste Container

Understand and identify the waste

Hazardous waste is exactly as it is described — hazardous. Specific properties within the waste make it extremely dangerous and capable of causing harm to you or the environment when handled inadequately. In order to identify if a waste is hazardous and select the proper hazardous waste container, information on the waste should be gathered and evaluated to create a waste profile. This information can include a combination of analytical testing, available information (SDS sheets, etc.), and generator knowledge of the waste. Once complete, this added understanding of the material will better allow you to safely interact with the waste through its disposal. Information gained could also be beneficial to raise awareness on what personal protective equipment should be used when handling the waste based on waste codes and its chemical composition.

Choose the right material for storage

Once an understanding of the waste is established, you’re ready to determine which container material to use. Hazardous waste containers are most commonly composed of metal, plastic, or glass, so it’s important to acknowledge various characteristics of the waste material when deciding which container to use. Common characteristics to consider include:

  • Corrosivity
  • Ignitability
  • Reactivity
  • Toxicity

Based on the material properties, you can determine which types of containers will and will not work well. For example, many highly-corrosive wastes should not be stored in metal containers due to the material’s ability to corrode metal. Instead, a poly container or plastic-lined metal container should be used. Additionally, the Hazardous Materials Table needs to be referenced for other requirements, including governing exceptions and specifics for bulk and non-bulk containers.

Select the proper container size

When selecting the correct hazardous waste container, consider how much waste will likely be generated. A large variety of containers are available for your selection including:

  • 5-gallon plastic pails
  • 15-, 30-, and 55-gallon drums
  • Cubic yard boxes and totes
  • Roll-off containers

Keep in mind that reactivity and temperature fluctuations of waste can cause the material to expand or contract over time and/or produce its own heat, so a container should not be overfilled beyond the manufacturer’s specifications at any time.

Correctly label and mark the container

After a container has been selected and staged, it must be properly labeled and marked. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provide regulatory guidance on how to do this.

Appropriate labels will consist of at least 4”x4” diamond-shaped pictograms regulated by the DOT for hazardous material shipment. These labels will communicate the associated hazard(s) of the waste (e.g. corrosive, flammable liquid, oxidizer). When more than one label must be applied, the primary hazard label should be placed above and to the left of the subsidiary hazard.

Each hazardous waste container must have a “HAZARDOUS WASTE” marking present. This marking will also contain the material’s proper shipping name, the generator’s name and address, along with a manifest document number and an accumulation start date. Remember: the accumulation start date begins as soon the first drop of material enters the container.

Inspect the container periodically

The final step in selecting and maintaining the correct hazardous waste container is to periodically inspect the container’s condition. When performing an inspection, the following should be sought out:

  • Damage to the container, including, dents, leaks, or swelling
  • Legible labels and markings depicting accurate information and outward facing pictograms
  • Secure container bungs, lids, and/or seals

How Can I Get Help With My Hazardous Waste Management?

For more information on hazardous waste identification, storage, transportation, and disposal, contact EnviroServe. Our talented Team specializes in “where you need us, when you need us” service with over 30 years of experience. Contact (800) 488-0910 for all your waste management needs.

Used oil recycling | EnviroServe

What is Used Oil and Why You Should Recycle It

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Oil is used across the United States to help us move from one place to another, and it plays a role in the creation of many frequently used goods. Through its various applications, oil encounters impurities and loses its characteristics that make it valuable and useful. And once it reaches this state, it can no longer efficiently serve its original purpose. It cannot be poured down the drain or released into the environment. Instead, used oil must be disposed of properly — or better yet, recycled for reuse.

What Is Used Oil?

Used oil is “any oil that has been refined from crude oil or any synthetic oil that has been used, and as a result of such use, is contaminated by physical or chemical impurities,” as defined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Common examples include used motor oil from vehicles, used hydraulic fluid from machinery, and used coolant oil from a mechanical system.

In order to meet the EPA’s definition of used oil, three conditions must be met:

  1. Used oil must originate from crude oil or be made from synthetic substances.
  2. As implied by the name, oil must have been previously used in the following forms, but is not limited to: lubricants, heat transfer fluids, transmission fluids, hydraulic fluids, and buoyants.
  3. Used oil must be contaminated from its use. Common impurities include dirt, metal scrapings, water, or other chemical residues that were introduced from handling, storing, processing, or through their application.

Notably, some typical examples of misinterpretations of used oil include:

  • Waste oil, which is generally defined as off-specification product oil that cannot be used or was decided not to be used and destined for disposal
  • Waste oil isolated from cleaning out virgin storage tanks
  • Waste oil accumulated from cleaning up a virgin oil spill
  • Petroleum derivatives such as kerosene or antifreeze
  • Vegetable or animal oils (cooking oils)
  • Petroleum products used as cleaning agents or solvents

How Is It Recycled?

Used oil can be recycled in various ways for reuse or repurpose in another application. The simplest form of recycling is reconditioning the oil. This is completed by filtering out the impurities, thus extending the oil’s life. Although the life of the oil is extended in this process, it is not guaranteed that the oil can be returned to its original state.

The most preferred form of recycling used oil is by re-refining it. When oil is re-refined, it is brought back to its original state and has the same properties it once had. This can be done perpetually, which allows the oil to be used many times over.

Additional forms of recycling include reinjecting the oil back into the petroleum refinery process or burning it for energy recovery.

What Are the Benefits?

Recycling used oil bears many benefits, including:

  • Prevention of Harm to the Environment. Properly recycling oil prevents environmental pollution that can affect the health of the general population, wildlife and natural resources.
  • Preservation of Resources. The EPA reports that roughly 380 million gallons of oil are recycled each year, which more effectively utilizes this valuable resource. In fact, it only takes one gallon of used oil to produce 2.5 quarts of new lubricating oil compared to 42 gallons of crude oil to produce the same.
  • Conservation of Energy. When re-refining oil, approximately one-third of the energy is needed compared to the process of removing impurities in crude oil to reach lubricant quality. This means that energy expenditure is more efficiently managed.
  • Cost Savings for your Company. Disposal of waste can be very expensive. However, it is often less expensive to recycle used oil than it is to dispose of it. In some cases, it can even be sold for a profit.

Get Help Handling and Recycling Used Oil

For more information on proper handling and transportation of used oil for recycling or disposal, reach out to EnviroServe at (800) 488-0910.

EnviroServe | Corrosives

Corrosives 101: A Guide to Identifying, Handling, and Storing Reactive Compounds

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Corrosives have many exceptional industrial applications, including a role in metal etching and the plating industry. They can also be found in many cleaning agents. Similar to any other hazardous material, handling of corrosives requires extra precautions.

What are corrosives?

Corrosives are extremely reactive compounds that when introduced to living tissue — or other materials such as metal — can cause damage or destruction through chemical interactions at the site of contact. In general, corrosives can be classified as either acids or bases depending on where they fall on the pH scale.

  • Acids: Corrosive substances with a low pH (i.e., hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid)
  • Bases: Corrosive substances with a higher pH (i.e., sodium hydroxide, ammonia)

Additional chemicals, such as oxidizing and dehydrating agents, can also be classified as corrosives due to their chemical properties. A good rule of thumb to determine whether a material is classified as a corrosive is to reference its Safety Data Sheet.

How can I be exposed?

Corrosives can come in all three forms of matter — solids, liquids, and gases — so exposure types vary. There are four routes of exposure by which corrosives can enter or interact with one’s body: inhalation, adsorption, ingestion and injection.

  • Inhalation: Exposure to corrosives can occur through breathing in their fumes, vapors, gases, or particulate matter. Once inhaled internally, the respiratory tract can be damaged or irritated.
  • Adsorption: Corrosive exposure can occur when one’s skin or soft tissues come in contact with a corrosive material. Corrosive solids in the form of a dust can quickly dissolve in the moisture on skin, liquids can splash onto exposed tissue, and gases can interact through skin contact.
  • Ingestion: Ingestion occurs when a chemical or substance inadvertently finds its way to the mouth and is swallowed. Both corrosive solids and liquids can enter the body through ingestion exposure.
  • Injection: Injection occurs when a chemical or substance enters the body through penetrated or punctured skin. All three states of matter can enter through this route. Once inside, immediate tissue can be damaged and the substance can further travel in the body through the blood stream.

How to handle corrosives

Before handling corrosives, ensure you are wearing the proper personal protective equipment (PPE), including chemical protective clothing, eye protection, and hand protection. The chemical protective clothing and gloves should be made of a chemical-resistant material that prevents corrosives from contacting the skin or permeating through the suit. Eye protection may vary from safety classes to safety goggles, but all options should have side shields and provide adequate protection from chemical splashes. If the PPE shows “wear or tear,” it should be replaced. Note that certain corrosives may require additional or specialized forms of protection such as a respirator, so it is important to review the Safety Data Sheet for additional guidance.

Handling corrosives should be done conscientiously and carefully. When possible, corrosive chemicals should be transported with drum cradles or container caddies to avoid unnecessary contact with the material. If a damaged, degraded, or leaking container is identified, proper steps should be taken to prevent or address a chemical spill.

How to store corrosives

When storing corrosives, all containers used must be resistant to corrosion such as plastic polyethylene drums or other properly-lined containers. Exceptions do apply in some cases where stainless steel or titanium containers can be used. The packaging type largely depends on the concentration of the material. Additionally, these containers should always remain sealed unless they are in use to prevent spills or release of vapors. At no time should corrosives be overstocked. It is best to only keep around what is necessary for the demands of your operation.

Another rule of thumb when storing corrosives is to isolate them in a dedicated area. This reduces the risk of an unwanted reaction caused by leaks or spills. When isolation cannot be done, it is important to store chemicals near compatible materials only. To identify compatible materials, reference the Segregation Table for Hazardous Materials in 49 CFR § 177.848. When storing corrosive materials, it is also important that all containers are correctly labeled with their appropriate hazard communication signs per regulations.

In addition to a dedicated area, corrosives are best kept in a well-ventilated environment to dissipate the buildup of any fumes. Certain corrosives may also require specific temperatures for safe storage. All flooring and shelving within the storage area should also be constructed out of corrosive-resistant materials. Small containers are best stored on compatible catch trays or storage cabinets. Large containers or tanks should be stored within a catch basin or surrounded by a dike. Sufficient spill kits should also be well kept in the area at all times.

Get help handling and disposing of corrosives

For more information on proper handling and disposal of corrosives, reach out to EnviroServe at (800) 488-0910.

55-gallon drums | lab packing

Lab Packing: Choosing the Best Lab Pack Company

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Choosing the right company to complete your lab packing is a big decision. Your company, Customers, and community all rely on this process being completed correctly and safely. If mistakes are made, this can leave your company liable for costs due to errors and put the environment and those around you at risk. Vetting of lab packing companies must be thoroughly completed prior to hiring.

So how do you know if a lab pack service is right for your business? First, you must know the basic ins and outs of lab packing, along with the essentials to look for in a lab packing service.

What is Lab Packing?

Lab packing is the process of strategically and systematically packaging smaller containers of “like” wastes together in a larger container for disposal. For example, similar flammable liquids can be packaged together using the shipping name, “Waste flammable liquids, n.o.s.” This service is used in many industries including — but not limited to — laboratories, universities, and hospitals.

Understanding the Lab Pack Process

During the process of lab packing, materials included in packing may be expired, damaged, out of date, or no longer needed for original use. These substances must be sorted, characterized, and segregated prior to packing, and an insulating absorbent material, such as vermiculite, is needed to prevent breakage of smaller containers during transport.

Notably, one of the most important steps of lab packing is the identification and segregation of waste into their “like” categories. When done incorrectly, dangerous chemical reactions may result in environmental release and human exposure.

Once materials have been sorted, packaged and insulated, final lab pack containers must be labeled, marked and transported to a certified disposal facility.

Benefits of Lab Packing

When done correctly, lab packing can positively impact business costs, time management, and compliance. By choosing the right company for lab packing services, Customers enjoy benefits, including:

Reduced Costs

One of the goals of consolidating your waste in a lab pack is to reduce the overall cost of disposal. Rather than disposing each chemical or material individually, you will only be charged for the disposal of each larger container. You can also avoid costly errors, such as mischaracterization of chemicals or the use of incompatible containers, when lab packing is done properly.

Efficient Time Management

Waste disposal typically involves obtaining a waste profile of each material to determine the best waste stream for disposal. In the case of a lab pack, only one profile is needed to approve multiple inventory lists.

Cleaner Environment

You reduce costs and save time by investing in lab packing, but you also help protect the environment. Substances that are disposed of through lab packing ensure proper discarding and minimal-to-no environmental damage.

What to Look for in a Lab Pack Company

Once you have a better understanding of the lab packing process, it’s time to identify the essentials needed in a service provider. When selecting a provider to complete your lab pack needs, consider the following elements:

Experience

When a company has a longstanding reputation and years of experience, expertise is guaranteed. Companies that have a strong background in lab packing likely have a better understanding of compliance and packing needs and will be able to more accurately quote a job.

Training

A company’s personnel must be knowledgeable in all things related to lab packing. Personnel knowledge and understanding the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Transportation (DOT), and other regulatory compliance will help ensure the job is properly completed and all compliance requirements are met.

Certification

Proper certification must be maintained by a company, especially when dealing with specific hazardous materials. For example, the company’s team should maintain up-to-date HAZWOPER and HAZMAT certification along with upkept transportation permits and environmental accreditations. Look for these to confirm the company is qualified to adequately handle and transport the materials packaged and is knowledgeable in regulatory compliance.

Turnkey Service

Finding a company that offers turnkey service capable of handling all aspects of a job from start to finish is the best option. Qualified companies will help you identify what you have, provide you with DOT-approved containers, package your materials, complete necessary documentation, and then transport your materials for disposal.

How Can I Get Help with Lab Packing?

For more information on lab packing services, reach out to EnviroServe. With over 30 years of experience in non-hazardous and hazardous waste disposal and transportation, our team is trained and certified to meet your company’s needs. Call (800) 488-0910 for help navigating your waste management requirements today!

aerosol cans | universal waste | hazardous waste

What is Universal Waste?

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When a task has many steps or requires a lot of time, many people are prone to take shortcuts or search for alternative solutions. The same goes for waste disposal. In a perfect world, all materials would be properly disposed of—but that is not currently the case. The Environmental Protection Agency created a universal waste program to help encourage the proper disposal of commonly-generated types of hazardous waste with reduced regulatory burden on the generator.

What is Universal Waste?

Universal waste is a form of hazardous waste that is widely generated both in industry and households. It is generally grouped in one of five categories:

1. Batteries

A battery consists of connected electrochemical cells that receive, store, and deliver electrical energy. Although all batteries meet this definition, not all batteries are classified as universal waste. Common universal waste batteries include, but are not limited to:

  • Nickel Cadmium
  • Lithium Ion
  • Mercury-oxide Batteries

Alkaline batteries are not considered hazardous waste and can be disposed of in the regular trash or in collection locations offered by some communities. For more regulatory information regarding universal waste batteries, review section 40 CFR 273.2.

2. Pesticides

Pesticides are substances used to kill or ward off unwanted plants or animals. A universal waste pesticide is defined as an unused, suspended or recalled substance that is eligible for management. Applicable pesticide regulations can be found in 40 CFR 273.3.

3. Mercury-Containing Equipment

This equipment can be defined as a device or part of a device that contains elemental mercury, including:

  • Thermostats
  • Barometers
  • Pressure gauges
  • Relay Switches

But not all mercury-containing equipment can be classified as universal waste. When disposing of these instruments, refer to 40 CFR 273.4.

4. Lamps

Lamps are defined as the bulb or the tube portion of an electrical lighting device. To be classified as universal waste, a lamp must contain specific contaminants. Examples include:

  • Fluorescent Lamps
  • High Intensity Discharge Lamps
  • Neon Lamps
  • Metal Halide Lamps

5. Aerosol Cans

A non-refillable container of a compressed or liquefied gas, aerosol cans are used to propel liquid, paste, or powder under pressure. Aerosol cans that are empty containers, not classified as a hazardous waste, or do not contain a substance that is listed in 40 CFR 261 subpart D cannot be deemed as a universal waste.

Important Notes

Some states include additional materials in their universal waste program beyond those that are included in the federal program. For example, Ohio includes paint and paint waste while Michigan includes pharmaceuticals. Be sure to check your state-specific regulations for additional details.

It is also important to note that waste generated from spills or leaks of a universal waste is subject to full hazardous waste regulation and may require further testing to determine if it is a hazardous waste.

Why is the Universal Waste Program Important?

The EPA created this program to endorse the process of proper waste collection and recycling. This program has decreased the regulatory burden and has simplified the steps necessary for proper collection, transport, and disposal to protect our environment by reducing the improper disposal of hazardous wastes to landfills or combustors.

How Can I Get Help With Waste Disposal?

For more information on universal waste and hazardous waste disposal, reach out to EnviroServe. With 30 years of experience in hazardous and non-hazardous waste disposal and transportation, we can help you navigate waste requirements. Call (800) 488-0910 for all your waste management needs.

hazardous waste container

6 Steps for Proper Hazardous Waste Disposal

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Each year, there are numerous cases of improper hazardous waste disposal that impact human health and the environment, and most, if not all cases, can be prevented if the correct steps are taken to discard waste.

When the appropriate procedures are taken for the disposal of hazardous waste, many benefits arise. These benefits include:

  • Improved protection of human health and the environment
  • Reduced waste created
  • Increased recycling and recovery of materials
  • Conservation of energy and natural resources

To ensure you are doing your part in helping to promote these benefits, be sure to follow the steps below on proper hazardous waste disposal.

How to Dispose of Hazardous Waste

1. Identify

The first step of hazardous waste disposal is identifying the type of waste present and completing a waste profile to classify the waste and determine how to safely handle it through disposal.

2. Quantify

The next step of waste disposal is to determine how much waste is present. This is significant because it identifies the generator status which is linked to the amount of waste produced. Generator status falls under three categories:

  • Very Small Quantity Generators (VSQGs) generate no more than 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of hazardous waste, or no more than one kilogram of acutely hazardous waste per month.
  • Small Quantity Generators (SQGs) generate more than 100 kilograms (220 pounds), but less than 1,000 kilograms (2205 pounds) of hazardous waste per month.
  • Large Quantity Generators (LQGs) generate 1,000 kilograms (2205 pounds) or more hazardous waste, or more than one kilogram of acutely hazardous waste per month.

Your designated category determines the additional regulations by which you must abide for hazardous waste disposal.

3. Notify

If the generator status for hazardous waste disposal is classified as LQGs or SQGs, it is required to obtain a federal Environmental Identification Number and report hazardous waste activities using Form 8700-12 to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Some states may also require you to notify one of their agencies if they have their own hazardous waste program. Additionally, some states may even require VSQGs to report their activities.

For more information regarding obtaining an EPA ID Number, conducting proper notification and recordkeeping practices, visit the EPA website.

4. Manage

LQGs, SQGs, and VSQGs all must comply with their specific set of regulations when it comes to hazardous waste disposal. It is important to note that certain types of wastes have unique requirements and certain business sectors may be able to utilize exemptions. In addition to federal regulations, the state your facility is located in may have regulations and requirements that must be followed.

5. Transport

Before the process of hazardous waste disposal, transportation of the waste must be planned. To transport waste, it must be placed in a compatible DOT compliant container and properly labeled.

Proper packaging starts with choosing the correct type of container. You want to ensure that the waste is not going to react with the container itself or increase the chance of failure or release. For example, corrosives should not be put in steel drums that they can corrode. Instead, plastic or plastic-lined drums tend to be the better solution.

Your containers should also be properly marked and labeled. This includes, but is not limited to, the United Nations Performance Oriented Packaging Marking, the hazardous waste marking, and the DOT hazardous materials diamond(s).

Lastly, all hazardous waste must be listed on an appropriately filled out Hazardous Waste Manifest. This includes, but is not limited to, the generator and transporter’s address, proper U.S. DOT descriptions, and respective signatures.

6. Dispose

Once your hazardous waste is properly packaged and labeled, it’s time to determine of how it is going to be discarded. Some wastes such as used oil can be recycled or burned for energy while certain acids and caustics can be treated and stabilized, and many other wastes can be securely discarded in an EPA-permitted landfill. Information on the waste profiles will help the disposal facility determine the correct handling procedures and the treatment method that will be most effective.

How can I get help with my hazardous waste disposal?

For more information on hazardous waste identification, transportation, and disposal, reach out to EnviroServe. Our Team specializes in “where you need us, when you need us” service with 30 years of experience. Contact (800) 488-0910 for all your waste management needs.

hazardous waste drums

4-Step Guide to Identifying Hazardous Waste

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Take a look around you. The computer screen in front of you, the cell phone that just vibrated in your pocket, and the loose-leaf paper on your desk all share something in common: hazardous waste. Each of these items—and the manufacture of many other goods—produces hazardous waste as a byproduct.

Contrary to many beliefs, the production of hazardous waste is quite frequent. From 2001 to 2017, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported that the United States generated between 20.3 to 29.1 million tons of hazardous waste each year. That’s almost 80,000 tons per day on the high end! Although this number may sound astounding, it makes more sense when you consider the breadth of sources that produce it. Activities such as manufacturing, water treatment, farming, construction, hospital lab work, and so many other industries all result in creating hazardous waste. Households even generate it in the form of batteries, electronics, unused solvents and pesticides.

What is a Hazardous Waste?

Hazardous waste is waste that exhibits properties that make it dangerous, or capable of causing harm, to human health or the environment. This waste can come in solid, liquid or gaseous form which results in different routes of exposure. Whether the material can cause harm from leaching into groundwater used for drinking or inhaled via particulate matter in the air, many regulations are in place to ensure hazardous waste is disposed of properly to protect our communities and the environment.

How to Identify Hazardous Waste

When identifying hazardous waste, there are four vital questions that must be answered:

1. Is the material a solid waste?

In order for a material to be a hazardous waste, it must first be considered a solid waste. Solid wastes are materials that are either discarded by being abandoned, inherently waste-like, or recycled in certain ways. Although it may seem contradictory, a solid waste can be solid, semi-solid, liquid, or a contained gas.

Examples of materials the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) identifies as solid waste include:

  • Garbage or refuse
  • Sludge from a wastewater treatment plant
  • Byproducts from a waste supply treatment plant or air pollution control facility
  • Discarded material resulting from industrial, commercial, mining and agricultural operations, or from community activities

If the material does not meet the definition of a solid waste, then it cannot be considered a hazardous waste.

2. Is the waste excluded from the definition of solid waste or hazardous waste?

It is important to note that certain materials are excluded from the solid waste or hazardous waste definition due to Congressional action or EPA Rulemaking. This may be due to public policies, economic impacts, the lack of significant data, or the impracticability of effectively regulating the waste.

If the material is explicitly excluded, then it is not a hazardous waste.

For more details on exclusions, visit CFR section 261.4(a) and 261.4(b).

3. Is the waste a listed or characteristic hazardous waste?

When hazardous, a waste will have at least one listed waste code associated with the material or meet at least one of the characteristics of a hazardous waste.

Although there are hundreds of specific listed waste codes, they are separated into four lists:

  • F-List – Identifies hazardous wastes from common manufacturing and industrial processes. These wastes are also called wastes from non-specific sources because the processes that create them can occur in different sectors of industry.
  • K-List – Identifies hazardous wastes from specific industries and are also called source-specific wastes. Examples of these specific industries include pesticide manufacturing, steel production, and petroleum refining.
  • P-List and U-List – Identify hazardous wastes that are unused chemicals in their commercially pure grade, technical grade, or a formulation for which the chemical is the sole active ingredient form that is being discarded.

Additionally, there are four properties that determine a characteristic waste: ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity and toxicity. When one or more are present in a waste, the material is regulated as hazardous.

  • Ignitability – Includes liquids with a flash point below 140 degrees Fahrenheit, spontaneously combustible solids, and ignitable compressed gases.
  • Corrosivity – Refers to wastes with a pH of less than or equal to 2 (acidic) or a pH of greater than or equal to 12.5 (basic).
  • Reactivity – Refers to waste that may be unstable under normal conditions, may react with water, may release toxic fumes, or may detonate under normal conditions or when heated.
  • Toxicity – Refers to waste containing one or more of these 39 constituents that are harmful when ingested or absorbed such as Arsenic, Benzene, or Cadmium.

If the discarded material does not have a single waste code or meet one of the four characteristic waste properties, the material is not subject to RCRA Subtitle C Regulations, and it is not a hazardous waste.

4. Is the waste delisted?

The last question we must answer to determine if a material is a hazardous waste is whether the material is delisted. Delisted wastes are wastes that were specifically petitioned to the EPA or another authorized regulatory agency to not be considered a hazardous waste. To do this, the generator must reach out to one of the ten regional EPA offices with their data.

If the material is delisted, it is not classified as a hazardous waste.

How can I get help with my hazardous waste?

For more information on hazardous waste disposal, reach out to EnviroServe. With 30 years of experience in hazardous and non-hazardous waste disposal and transportation, we can help you navigate waste requirements. Call (800) 488-0910 for all your waste management needs.

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