Tipping Point: Understanding the Complexities of Hazardous Waste Compliance

JUNE 23, 2014

HazWhat?

Retailers and pharmacy chains are cognizant of trash disposal and how to divide what is and is not recyclable, for instance. But when it comes to hazardous waste there is a great deal of confusion, because much more nuance is introduced into the subject of disposal.

With greater emphasis on EPA regulations in recent years, it’s critical that retailers take steps to identify if they are at hazardous waste compliance risk for failure to properly dispose of hazardous waste materials. Federal and state compliance fines can be severe, so what organizations don’t know can have a lasting negative impact on finances and reputation.

3 Simple Steps to Mitigate Hazardous Waste Compliance Risk

Learn

The first step is to fully understand what products and compounds the EPA considers to be hazardous.

Categorize

Unsaleable merchandise can be categorized as returnable to the manufacturer, able to be reused via donation, able to be resold, or as waste that must be sent for disposal.

Determine generator status

The EPA divides waste generators into three categories based upon the quantity of waste they produce. Each class of generators must comply with its own set of requirements, so the third step in risk mitigation is determining into which category the organization falls.

What's your "Tipping Point"?

A company’s generator status can be considered its hazardous waste compliance “Tipping Point.” Retailers and pharmacies that understand their waste volumes and how to comply with the law often gain greater organizational value from their hazardous waste management programs, including enhancing corporate sustainability initiatives and protecting brand reputation.

To learn more about the benefits of determining your compliance tipping point, please contact us.