Retail Hazardous Waste Management Doesn't Have to be a Hazard
JUNE 23, 2014
What is Retail Hazardous Waste Management?
For many companies, the retail hazardous waste management process is full of complexities that go beyond just disposal.
The EPA’s growing focus on the retail industry during the past several years means companies must gain end-to-end control over the hazardous waste they generate, including identifying hazardous waste materials, tracking hazardous waste collection, creating detailed reports on waste volumes for compliance purposes and assuring proper disposal.
In addition to the EPA, retailers also must be aware of regulations from the DEA, FDA and other federal agencies and regulations by state and local governments. Currently, states such as California, Minnesota, Florida, Kansas, Missouri, and New York are considered very active from an enforcement standpoint.
Understanding these regulations and pending changes to them can help retailers determine whether hazardous products deemed unsalable fall into one of the following categories: 1) returnable to the manufacturer; 2) able to be reused via donation; 3) can be resold; or 4) must be disposed as waste.
Caution is Key
Just as critically, awareness of federal and state oversight can help retailers maintain compliance in retail hazardous waste management and avoid millions of dollars in fines. A mistake such as an untrained employee who places aerosols in trash bins or pours pesticides down a drain can bring regulatory scrutiny and risk substantial fines to the business.
These and other issues can make navigating the complexities of retail hazardous waste management feel hazardous. Retailers don’t have to take on the challenge alone, however. Professional services are available to help retailers safely and legally manage, classify, dispose of and report on any hazardous waste produced.
The benefits from consulting with a partner to establish a retail hazardous waste management program are many: protecting brand reputation, limiting potential for regulatory violations and fines, employee safety and environmental sustainability are just a few.
In the end, it comes down to a simple question for retailers: are you on the path toward liability or the path toward sustainability?