The Benefits of Proper ID: How to Effectively Identify Hazardous Waste Materials
JUNE 25, 2014
With the convenience of one-stop shopping and lots of locations, it’s easy to see why national retail pharmacies have been so successful.
But what makes these chains so convenient also makes their operations extremely complicated.
With thousands of retail products for sale in a single location, many are composed of materials considered hazardous. Familiar consumer items considered hazardous waste under federal regulations include cosmetics, shampoo, mouthwash and insect repellent.
Handling the inventory of these items can be challenging but disposal of thousands of damaged, expired or unsalable items is logistically daunting. In fact, the EPA has developed a list of over 500 specific hazardous wastes. This means there is an enormous burden and responsibility on retailers who are left to decide and train associates how to segregate hazardous waste from normal waste.
Retailers are not equipped to handle the disposal of hazardous products on their own. A retail hazardous waste partner can help employees at retail pharmacy chains, grocery stores and big box stores, among others, accurately classify, label and segregate products according to their particular waste stream. This helps ensure proper disposal that is compliant with federal and state regulations.
In addition, a comprehensive hazardous waste management program could actually save retailers money, as items that can be distributed back to manufacturers for credit or resold to consumers can be separated during the identification and labeling process.
Retailers also benefit from a hazardous waste compliance program via the training and tools employees receive to help them determine which products are considered hazardous.
As many retailers contemplate how to increase growth and improve operations, one of the simplest solutions is a well-trained, knowledgeable employee base that can identify hazardous waste and maintain compliance, avoid fines and reduce harm to the environment.