Hazardous Waste Transportation Doesn't Have To Be Risky Business

SEPTEMBER 18, 2014

Hazardous Waste Transportation – What Does It Entail?

Everyday we pass trucks on the highway hauling goods across the country and some are carrying hazardous waste. Retailers, manufacturers and other businesses often require the removal of classified hazardous waste items such as returned, damaged or overstocked items that contain flammable, corrosive, reactive and toxic ingredients or byproducts that are themselves hazardous. Often, these are everyday items such as batteries, light bulbs and nail polish, for instance. But proper removal of these items on a regular basis ensures that businesses are in compliance with regulations established by state and federal agencies, such as those administered by the EPA.

Transporting these types of materials carries inherent risks from a physical, environmental and compliance standpoint. For example, if simple ammonia and bleach come in contact, it can create hydrochloric acid, which is corrosive and emits highly toxic chloramine vapor. Improper packaging and storage of products such as fireworks, batteries, aerosols and flammable liquids can also cause safety problems.

Before this type of waste is put on a truck, it most be properly sorted and packed to ensure that dangerous items don’t mix or spill.  When looking for hazardous waste transportation, businesses should seek partners that provide uniquely outfitted trucks and who use highly trained technicians to ensure the safe packaging and transportation of hazardous waste.

Specialization Reduces Complication

For example, Clean Earth only uses “smart” trucks outfitted with a laptop and software to inventory waste and classify the materials per EPA standards. The trucks have printers to furnish print manifests that some retailers need to provide to regulators for compliance purposes. Essentially, these specialized trucks act as mobile offices in addition to hazardous waste transportation vehicles. The trucks are also equipped with weights & measures equipment to accurately measure and record the hazardous waste they are transporting. Temperature control within the trucks allows proper operation of the required equipment (computers, printers, and barcode scanners) as well as stable conditions for the waste inside the trucks.

There is specialization when it comes to technicians. To ensure compliance and the safe transport of hazardous waste, more than driving is required. Ideally technicians are required for this type of trucking. They need to be exceptional commercial truck drivers, and specially trained and certified in hazardous waste collection best practices. They are also highly fluent in the technology required to operate the systems and equipment associated with retail hazardous waste collection. Because their job requires face-to-face interactions with retail representatives in-store, these drivers also are screened for exceptional customer service skills.

Due to the highly sensitive nature of hazardous waste, compliance risks should always be at the forefront for both the waste generator and the transporter regarding how that waste is sorted, packaged or transported according to state and federal regulations. Looking for a partner who can provide more than just “trucking” services can ensure a higher level of safety and compliance.