Common Hazardous Waste Violations In San Diego and How To Avoid Them

For any company that generates hazardous waste in San Diego, it is imperative that a business follows the proper disposal of that waste.

State and federal regulations are put into place to protect the environment and health of the public, and any company that disregards these laws may face serious hazardous waste violations. 

While San Diego County has detailed waste requirements for training, emergency preparedness and hazardous waste disposal, here are examples of some of the most common violations in San Diego - and how you can avoid them:

• Inadequate identification
• Incorrection assumptions
• Lack of training
• Unlabeled waste containers
• Improper waste storage
• Improper treatment and disposal

Inadequate Identification

It is a company’s responsibility to determine whether it generates hazardous waste, and if so, whether that waste should be stored, disposed of or transported. A waste’s toxicity, reactivity, corrosivity and ignitability all factor into whether waste is hazardous. 

Inadequate identification of a waste - determining that it is not hazardous when in fact it is - is an easy way to face a waste violation in San Diego. 

Most companies are aware whether the waste they generate is hazardous because of the process and materials that are used to create the waste. Some waste, however, may need further analysis if there is uncertainty. To avoid a violation, a certified laboratory must conduct any analysis using specified procedures. 

The San Diego Department of Environmental Health-Hazardous Materials Division also has a Defining Hazardous Waste Guide available that can assist in making this determination.

Incorrect Assumptions

California's universal waste laws cover items considered hazardous but commonly generated by businesses, including:

• Batteries (including rechargeable batteries)
• Mercury-containing equipment (thermostats, thermometers)
• Lamps (fluorescent tubes, LEDs)
• Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs) and other e-waste (televisions, computer monitors)
• Aerosol cans (non-empty cans are considered hazardous)

Although many of these are common items found in nearly every household and business, they still have hazardous properties that must be considered during disposal. Assuming that they can be thrown in the trash will land your business in trouble with regulatory agencies.

Our article, Why It’s Important to Dispose of E-Waste Properly, shares some of the things that can go wrong with common everyday items that aren't given the same level of consideration as other hazardous materials like chemicals and cleaners.

Transportation and where items are disposed of become particularly important in meeting hazardous waste disposal regulations. Universal waste must be transported by a licensed hauler or taken to a designated universal waste handler, such as a recycling facility, to ensure proper disposal. Some types of universal waste, like batteries and fluorescent bulbs, can be taken to special recycling or collection points.

Employees handling universal waste should also receive training on proper handling, storage and labeling procedures to ensure safety and compliance, which we’ll dive into in the next section.

Lack of Training

San Diego County enforces hazardous waste training requirements to ensure employees are able to respond effectively when an emergency occurs. Any employee who works with or around hazardous waste must be trained in several areas, including emergency procedures, equipment and systems. 

Examples of operations areas to focus on include:

• Procedures for inspecting, repairing and using emergency equipment
• Communications and alarm systems
• Employee response to spills, fires, explosions and groundwater contamination
• Contingency plans and emergency notification procedures

Employees should be trained on proper storage techniques for hazardous waste, including selecting suitable containers and securing them to prevent leaks or spills, as well as accurately labeling each container with the contents and the date to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Businesses should also maintain training records with specific details included at the facility, or face the possibility of a violation.

Unlabeled Waste Containers

One of the most frequent violations cited in recent inspections of hazardous waste generators is a failure to properly label hazardous waste containers, which can lead to costly fines and operational disruptions. 

Regulations for hazardous waste disposal now underscore the importance of including specific information on labels that is clear, accurate and immediately visible, as regulatory bodies are increasing scrutiny on labeling practices.

Hazardous waste labels must include:

• The name and address of the facility where the waste originated
• The specific source or type of waste
• The date the waste was initially placed in the container to ensure compliance with storage time limits
• A clear indication of why the material is classified as hazardous, meeting current guidelines
• Whether the waste is a solid or liquid, for streamlined disposal and handling processes
• A prominent warning statement indicating the hazardous nature of the material

Ensuring compliance with these labeling requirements can help companies avoid violations and align with heightened regulatory focus on safe, transparent waste handling practices.

Improper Waste Storage

Beyond labeling issues, improper storage is another common source of costly fines and regulatory action. Safe storage of hazardous waste is essential to minimize environmental risks and reduce the severity of potential incidents. The County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health emphasizes numerous storage requirements, but to avoid violations, companies should prioritize these core practices:

• Use only structurally sound tanks or containers with tight-fitting lids to prevent leaks and spills.
• Keep containers closed at all times, except when adding or removing waste, to prevent exposure and contamination.
• Clearly label each container according to current regulatory guidelines (as outlined above).
• Regularly inspect tanks and containers for signs of deterioration, corrosion or leaks, and address issues promptly.
• Store incompatible wastes separately to avoid chemical reactions that could lead to hazardous conditions.
• Comply with established storage time limits to prevent overaccumulation and reduce liability.

These measures align with today’s increased regulatory scrutiny and focus on reducing environmental impacts, helping companies stay compliant while fostering a safer workplace and community.

Improper Treatment and Disposal

One of the most serious—and common—hazardous waste violations involves improper treatment and disposal. Hazardous waste must be treated or disposed of at state-permitted facilities that are specifically designed to manage and contain hazardous materials safely.

When hazardous waste is improperly treated or disposed of, it can seep into soil and groundwater, contaminating local ecosystems and potentially causing long-term health risks to nearby communities.

Improper disposal often stems from a lack of understanding of regulatory requirements, inadequate training or an effort to reduce disposal costs. However, this approach can result in steep fines and, more critically, the potential for severe environmental and public health impacts. 

Proper disposal includes not only using certified facilities but also ensuring all waste is adequately characterized, documented and transported by licensed haulers. That’s why choosing the right hazardous waste disposal company is so critical. 

Hazardous waste disposal companies should:

• Ensure Proper Waste Classification: Accurately identify and classify all hazardous waste types to follow appropriate disposal protocols and prevent regulatory violations.
• Use Certified and Permitted Facilities: Dispose of hazardous waste only at state-permitted facilities that meet all environmental and safety regulations.
• Follow Safe Transport Practices: Use licensed and trained haulers to transport hazardous waste, following strict guidelines to prevent spills and accidents during transit.
• Provide Employee Training: Regularly train employees on handling, storing, labeling and transporting hazardous waste to maintain compliance and reduce risks.
• Conduct Regular Inspections: Inspect storage areas, containers and equipment to ensure they are in safe, compliant condition and free from leaks, deterioration or hazards.

By adhering to these guidelines, companies not only comply with environmental laws but also play a crucial role in protecting their surrounding community from the hazards associated with waste mismanagement.