pictured: an EnviroServe waste disposal facility featuring barrels and a forklift

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.

Reduce Holiday Waste | Recycle the Christmas Tree,

Top Tips to Reduce Holiday Waste

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It is not uncommon for the holiday season to mean different things to different people, thanks to a host of influences like childhood traditions, celebrations in your community, and the endless holiday-themed media that runs on repeat from our radios and televisions. The importance of these elements to the season will vary, depending on the person as decorations, food, traveling, and the abundance of plastic products all play their part in creating the ideal “holiday vibe.”

They are also responsible for substantial amounts of holiday waste, too.

Holiday Waste by the Numbers

According to Stanford University, Americans throw away 25% more trash in the season between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. That amounts to over a million extra tons of garbage. The facts don’t stop there:

  • Nearly 3 billion Christmas cards are sent annually.
  • In America, the cumulative amount of giftwrapping paper used to wrap 3 gifts per family can fully cover 45,000 football fields.
  • As reported by the Center for Global Development, the total energy spent on holiday lights in America can be measured in the billions of kilowatt hours – more than some entire countries use in a whole year.

These factors, including the annual loss of millions of trees for people’s foyers, or the influx of hundreds of tons of batteries into our landfills, can have a substantial effect on the health of our planet during the holidays.

Rescuing the season from such a fate doesn’t require that we turn into the Grinch, cursing all plastic products, boxes, and bags that accompany every holiday. Instead, we simply need to hone in on a few manageable changes that can make a world of difference.

Recycle the Christmas Tree (and other things, too)

To say that recycling is important is a bit of a given, but dealing with holiday waste may leave some people to question what exactly can be recycled, or what kind of positive impact it can have on the environment.

Naturally, giftwrap can and should be recycled, and we’ve illustrated above what the sheer bulk of giftwrapping can look like in America. But there are other holiday items that can be recycled once they’ve outlived their usefulness. Let’s take a look at a few of them.

  • Cardboard boxes – If Santa has brought any kind of toy, clothing, or tool to put under the tree, chances are that it came in some kind of cardboard or paper box. Imagine the good that could be done if we, as an online-shopping-addicted society, made an effort to recycle all the boxes that pass over our threshold on a sometimes-daily occurrence.
  • Christmas trees – For households that traditionally display live Christmas trees, a lot of good can be done when you recycle the Christmas tree and allow them to reenter the natural order of fertilization and regrowth. Instead of tossing it in the trash can, you can recycle the Christmas tree by having it picked up by a third-party to be ground up into mulch, or you can chop it up yourself and add it to your compost heap.
  • Christmas lights – One of the biggest surprises when recycling holiday waste is the type of utility old Christmas lights can have after they’re no longer shining. By taking them to an approved recycling center or secondhand shop (as Good Housekeeping suggests), your old lights can be converted into materials for construction, car manufacturing, or even household tools.

Remember that if any of the natural or plastic products that you want to recycle is in working order, chances are that some individuals or families would be happy to take them off your hands, directly.

A Warning Regarding Plastic Products

As professionals in the space of cleanup and sustainability, we are particularly concerned with the practice of reducing holiday waste. As such, not all plastics are created equal, even if they are connected to other typically recyclable materials. Below are some handy tips to bear in mind when you consider how to reduce the amount of holiday trash in your home this year.

The Don’t-Recycle List

  • Grocery sacks – You may be surprised to learn that putting grocery sacks in the recycling bin is frowned upon. This is because they are so thin that they could cause issues for the equipment at the waste management center. Instead, return them to grocery stores that have a bag drop-off station.
  • Bubble wrap – Like grocery sacks, bubble wrap requires specifically tuned equipment to process. Fortunately, the same specially-marked receptacles that accept grocery sacks for recycling can also handle bubble wrap. Otherwise, your best course of action is to simply throw it in the trash.
  • Laminated/glossy pages and gift bags – The problem with glossy papers and gift bags is due to how the materials are broken down. In short, plastic products need heat, but paper needs water. Because these are at odds with one another, neither can be recycled when they exist as a single product.

We’ve spoken about why it is important to recycle the Christmas tree when cleaning out your holiday waste, but choosing not to recycle some materials can prove equally as important. If you have questions about whether a specific item is acceptable, contact  your local waste management center.

EnviroServe | Emergency Response Agreement

4 Benefits of an Emergency Response Agreement

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Emergencies like oil spills, chemical spills, maritime spills, floods, and other natural disasters can happen at any time, and often without warning. It’s crucial to be prepared to respond as quickly and safely as possible to minimize impact and remediate damage. One of the best ways to speed up the emergency response process is to have an emergency response agreement in place before the emergency occurs.

What is an Emergency Response Agreement?

Emergency response agreements are signed contracts between a Customer and an environmental business that will provide services in an emergency. The agreement allows the crew to begin as soon as they receive the call.

Are Emergency Response Agreements Required?

Think of an emergency response agreement like a car — It’s there for you when you’re ready, and if it’s fueled up, it will help you get to where you need to be. Same with an emergency response agreement — It’s there when you need it, but it’s always fueled up. So, when it’s time to get to work, the emergency response crew can remediate the area without delay.

Benefits of an Emergency Response Agreement

If you’re wondering why it’s important to have an emergency response agreement in place, here are a few benefits to consider:

1. Both Parties Know What to Expect

Emergency response agreements outline the aspects of contracting an environmental emergency response company, the equipment that may be used, the costs of equipment and supplies, as well as payment terms and other information. Like other contracts, emergency response agreements outline expectations for both parties involved.

2. Speed up the Cleanup with An Emergency Response Agreement

In the unfortunate event of an emergency, a standing emergency response agreement allows the contracted company to get to work remediating the disaster immediately. There’s no need to negotiate terms, establish work procedures, or note expectations because that work has already been done. Instead, the emergency response provider can focus on the project at hand.

3. An Emergency Response Agreement Can Save You Money

Faster emergency response generally translates to less environmental impact. And when the impact is reduced, so too are the costs to remediate the disaster. An emergency response agreement allows you to minimize potential impact by pre-authorizing the responding provider to begin work immediately.

4. Proper Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance

When you’ve vetted emergency response companies and selected the right provider, you have the peace of mind of knowing a team you trust will be quick to respond in the event of an emergency. To find the right emergency response provider:

  1. Look for a company that provides clean up services for a variety of situations.
  2. Ensure the company has the proper equipment and tools needed for any service you need to have performed.
  3. Review their emergency response agreement to ensure they provide you the best pricing possible for equipment, personnel, and time.
  4. Look for a company that can arrive on scene in a timely manner with the necessary equipment to properly clean up the area.
  5. Ensure they have environmental insurance and the proper OSHA training to support your needs.
  6. Talk to others in your field to see whom they trust for their emergency response needs.

Looking for an Emergency Response Partner?

If you’re looking for a company you can partner with in an emergency, consider an emergency response agreement with EnviroServe. Call (800) 488-0910 to learn more.

EnviroServe - trauma cleanup

Selecting a Trauma Cleanup Provider to Handle Biohazard Waste

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Traumatic events such as murder or suicide are difficult for everyone involved. After law enforcement has processed the scene and gathered the information they need, it’s time for cleanup to take place, and a sanitizing wipe or two won’t make the cut. A team that’s properly trained in trauma cleanup is needed to fully clean and disinfect the area of biohazard waste.

What Are Biohazards?

Biological hazards, or biohazards, are biological substances that are dangerous to living organisms, including:

  • Blood and other bodily fluids
  • Animal waste
  • Sewage
  • Other items that have been contaminated by bodily fluids, such as needles

At trauma scenes, bloodborne pathogens are often the largest concern. Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms in the blood that can enter other people’s bloodstream and spread diseases.

The Importance of Proper Trauma Cleanup and Disinfection

After everyone has left the scene, bloodborne pathogens and other diseases can remain on the scene if they aren’t properly cleaned and disinfected. When people pass by the scene again, they run the risk of picking up those diseases and continuing the spread of disease.

You should receive proper cleanup and disinfection of the area, so any lingering diseases will be removed, eliminating the possibility of diseases being transmitted. It’s important to call a company you can trust with the needed training and expertise to fully decontaminate the area. Special equipment and EPA-approved disinfectants are needed for proper removal of biohazard waste and fully trauma cleanup.

Trauma Cleanup Process

It’s important for your cleanup crew to follow the Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) standards set by OSHA to make sure the area is being cleaned properly. Trauma cleanup crews should:

  • Evaluate the area of contamination.
  • Control and separate the area to prevent any possible cross contamination.
  • Properly clean the area to remove biohazard waste items, disinfect, and deodorize the area.
  • Properly dispose of biohazard waste.

Most importantly, the company you call to fill your cleanup needs should be professional, respectful, and compassionate of each situation, keeping all information confidential.

Disposal of Biohazard Waste

Trauma cleanup often involves the use of disinfectants, towels, and other absorbent items. Once these items have blood or other biohazard waste on them, they cannot be tossed in the nearest garbage can. Items used in trauma cleanup that contain biohazard waste need to be properly disposed of by a licensed, trained, and professional biohazard waste disposal company. Work with trained professionals who follow standards set by OSHA to ensure waste is properly disposed of.

Trauma Cleanup Situations

With biohazards present in more than just blood, it’s important to find a service provider who can do more than just blood cleanups. Find a professional company that can provide trauma cleanup services for any situation, including:

  • Crime scenes
  • Homicides
  • Suicides
  • Hoarding
  • Clandestine drug labs
  • Unattended or undiscovered deaths
  • Blood spills
  • Sewage spills and backups
  • Animal waste or remains
  • Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Biohazard Remediation and Trauma Cleanup Services

With trauma cleanup being more than just a cosmetic change after an event, it’s important you call the right team for the job. EnviroServe is available 24/7 where you need us, when you need us for professional trauma cleanup and biohazard remediation. Call (800) 488-0910 to receive professional care.

Industrial Cleaning & Shutdown Services | EnviroServe, a Savage Company

5 Benefits of Industrial Cleaning & Shutdown Services

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Spring has official sprung! Not only are flowers blooming and rain showers in full swing — spring also brings with it the need for spring cleaning. This includes a thorough industrial cleaning of your workplace to keep equipment running smoothly, ensure the safety of your team, and prolong the life of your facility. Often this heavy cleaning is done as part of a facility’s shutdown services.

Preparing for Shutdown Services & a Deep Clean

Before completing an industrial cleaning, identify your facility’s key problem areas. Once these areas are recognized, you can better prepare a plan to determine the best cleaning solution and then implement it.

Notably, each facility’s industrial cleaning plan will be specific to its location, industry, and line of work. Some common services to consider may include:

Benefits of Industrial Cleaning

Completing an industrial spring cleaning of your facility bears many benefits that can improve the overall quality of the company and workspaces, including:

1. Increase in Cleanliness and Organization

The first and most obvious benefit of industrial cleaning is the reduction of clutter and mess. Once a piece of equipment or area has been cleaned, it is much easier to identify if anything is out of place and/or any maintenance is required. This is also a great time to review inventory and dispose of expired or unused materials.

2. Better Protection of Personnel and the Environment

When industrial cleaning is performed, personnel and the environment are better protected. For example, when a proper cleaning has not been performed, personnel’s risk of exposure to hazards is higher. This can include exposure to hazardous materials that are harmful to both humans and the environment, i.e., corrosives and flammables.

3. Extension of Equipment Life

By conducting regular industrial cleaning and shutdown services at your facility, you can better ensure your equipment and machinery stay in good working order. In fact, completing recurrent upkeep saves you money by preventing downtime and prolonging the life of your equipment.

4. Growth of Productivity

Research shows that physical environments can have a significant impact on our cognition, emotions, behavior, decision making skills and stress and anxiety levels. With this said, by performing an industrial cleaning, companies are sure to boost productivity and overall company morale.

5. Establish and Sustain Standards

Once the equipment and the facility are clean, it is much easier to keep it that way. Standards of cleanliness should be set to establish good habits and housekeeping. To better keep the facility clean and the equipment running, a cleaning schedule can be created utilizing your team or the help of a professional industrial cleaning service.

Industrial Cleaning and Shutdown Services

For more information on industrial cleaning, including shutdown services, hazardous waste disposal, and universal waste removal, reach out to EnviroServe at (800) 488-0910.

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.

How to Contain a Chemical Spill

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All safety hazards are serious, but few compare to the risks posed by a chemical spill. Chemical spills happen more often than one would think and can be dangerous and result in disastrous outcomes. However, when properly contained and managed, the implications of a chemical spill can greatly be reduced.

Please note: Chemical spills should only be contained by personnel that are familiar with their company’s emergency response plan and have the tools necessary to clean the spill. For all other instances, and notably high-hazard or large volume spills, containment and cleanup should be left to the professionals.

To ensure your company operates as safely as possible and reacts appropriately in the event of a chemical spill, follow the tips below.

Prevention

The best way to handle a chemical spill is preventing one from occurring in the first place. Some best practices to implement include:

  • Practice proper storage. To prevent a chemical spill, one must be knowledgeable in correctly housing various materials on site. For example, the material must be compatible with its container, temperature ranges may need to be considered, and certain media must be segregated from others. By following correct storage procedures, the risk of a chemical spill can be minimized. For more information on proper storage of specific materials, refer to section 7 of the corresponding product’s Safety Data Sheet.
  • Conduct routine inspections. Routinely inspect and document the condition of the containers at your facility, keeping an eye out for leaks, cracks, or bulges in a container; corrosion or wearing of seals; and any other characteristic that could indicate vulnerability.
  • Handle chemicals with care. When chemicals are appropriately handled, the chance for an accident is lessened. Be sure to use the right equipment to move containers (e.g. drums or totes), and when the material must be used, only take the amount needed for a designated task.
  • Dispose of materials when necessary. When a chemical or material is no longer needed, it should be disposed of to diminish the chance of a future chemical spill.

Managing a Chemical Spill

When a chemical spill occurs, the next best thing is to be prepared. Generally, when managing a chemical spill there are four steps that must be taken, referred to as the 4Cs.

1. Communicate

The first “C,” or step to manage a chemical spill, is notifying all personnel within the spill area. Depending on the spill’s severity, the area or building may need to be evacuated. Immediately after notifying personnel, report the spill to your emergency coordinator as well as to first responders, if necessary.

2. Control

Next, control the spill and prevent it from spreading or contaminating additional areas or media. This should only be complete while donning the appropriate personal protective equipment. For example, a valve can be tightened, a nozzle can be closed, or patch can be applied to a container. In other instances when hazardous materials are involved, salvage packaging may be necessary. This process involves placing the leaking container(s) into a salvage drum or cylinder which is specifically made for the recovery or disposal of damaged, defective, or leaking packages.

3. Contain

Once a chemical spill has been controlled, the next step is for it to be contained. Depending on the nature of the spill, absorbent pads may be applied, chemical booms may be dropped, or a drying agent may be administered. Notably, special attention should be paid to ditches or drains that may allow the material to travel to additional locations outside of the immediate area. In the event that the spill area cannot be accessed at that time, be sure to mark it off so others do not come in contact with it.

4. Clean

The final step for managing a chemical spill is cleaning up the material. This includes collecting the materials impacted and safely disposing of them. Disposal should be based upon local laws and federal regulation in your area. Additionally, certain materials spilled may need to be reported to the Environmental Protection Agency if the spill exceeds the Reportable Quantity of that material listed in Table 1 of Appendix A to §172.101- List of Hazardous Substances and Reportable Quantities.

Outside of the 4Cs, additional best practices to prevent and contain a chemical spill include conducting a root cause analysis of the incident and updating your company’s emergency action plan and routine procedures.

Spill Containment & Emergency Response

For more information on spill containment and emergency response, 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!

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