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

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 guide available that can assist in making this determination.

Incorrect Assumptions

It’s also important to note that California follows a Universal Waste Rule that states all universal wastes are considered hazardous wastes. That means even if you are not a business that regularly generates hazardous waste, you must still follow this regulation. 

The Universal Waste Rule addresses common wastes generated by a wide variety of people. This means everyday items found in offices, such as TVs, computers, batteries and fluorescent tubes, are considered hazardous wastes and must be disposed of properly. Not doing so can result in a violation and fine. 

For more guidance on how to dispose of these items, read our article, Why It’s Important To Dispose Of E-waste Properly.

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

Any business that is considered a large quantity generator must also maintain training records with specific details included at the facility, or face a violation.

Unlabeled Waste Containers

One of the most frequent violations is when a company does not properly label a hazardous waste container. Regulations for hazardous waste disposal require specific information be included on labels. These labels also must be clearly visible. 

Hazardous waste labels must include: 

• The name and address of the facility

• The source of the waste

• The initial date the waste was placed in the container

• The reason why the material is considered hazardous

• Whether the material is a solid or liquid

• A warning statement that the material inside is hazardous

Improper Waste Storage

In addition to mislabeled or unlabeled containers, companies can get fined for improper storage areas as well. Properly storing hazardous wastes is critically important to minimize the potential for and seriousness of an incident. 

The County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health outlines several storage requirements for hazardous wastes, but some of the most basic requirements that must be followed to avoid a waste violation include:

• Store hazardous wastes in structurally sound tanks or containers that include tight-fitting lids

• Keep containers closed when adding or removing waste

• Label each container following regulations listed above

• Have tanks and containers regularly inspected, looking for signs of deterioration or leaks

• Ensure proper separation of incompatible wastes

• Follow storage limitation times

Improper Treatment and Disposal

Hazardous materials must be disposed of at a state-permitted facility. Improper disposal can cause hazardous waste to seep into the ground, affecting a population’s health and the environment.

Because of this threat, businesses must have an industrial waste discharge pre treatment permit that allows waste to be dumped into a sewer system. This permit verifies that any hazardous waste is properly treated before being discharged.

Without a permit, San Diego companies that are hazardous waste generators must comply with the other rigorous state and federal regulations. Failing to properly do so can results in thousands of dollars in penalties per day.

However, working with a company certified in handling and disposing of hazardous waste can ensure your company meets these regulations. It can be more economical as well, considering using a certified company also can free employees from the rigors of time-consuming hazardous waste management.

To learn more about what to look for in a hazardous waste disposal vendor, you can read our article 5 Tips For Choosing The Right Hazardous Waste Vendor.