While a hazardous waste disposal center accepts various types of hazardous waste, knowing where to take what is much more complicated.
In California, there are several types of hazardous waste disposal centers, from ones that accept household waste like cleaners and pesticides to treatment, storage and disposal facilities (TSDFs) that are more commonly used for industrial waste disposal.
A hazardous waste disposal center, also known as a hazardous waste management facility or hazardous waste
The primary function of a hazardous waste disposal center is to receive, store, treat and dispose of hazardous waste generated by various sources, including industries, healthcare facilities, laboratories and other entities that produce hazardous materials. However, some hazardous waste disposal centers may simply be the initial stop before the waste is transported to another location for treatment and final disposal.
These centers are often equipped with advanced technologies, specialized infrastructure and trained personnel to handle the unique challenges associated with hazardous waste.
There are several types of hazardous waste disposal centers in California. One of the most common ones is a household hazardous waste center. Homes can contain many types of hazardous products used for cleaning, painting, disinfecting and more. A hazardous household waste is typically anything that is labeled as being toxic, poisonous, combustible, corrosive, flammable or can cause irritation. Many times these products are not only found in the house but in a backyard workshop or garage. Examples of items a hazardous waste disposal center may accept from residents include:
These sites typically DO NOT accept explosives, ammunition, radioactive materials, trash, tires and household appliances like refrigerators, stoves and washing machines.
While these collection centers, which also may be known as drop-off facilities, mostly collect hazardous waste generated in the residential sector, they also collect some waste generated by small businesses or commercial entities.
In California, you may qualify as a Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator (CESQG). In this case, you are permitted to use a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) facility. State regulations define a business as a CESQG if it generates less than:
If your business generates hazardous waste in excess of these regulatory limits, you cannot use HHW facilities. Instead, you would need to transport your waste to the appropriate treatment, storage and disposal facilities for proper disposal.
TSDFs play a crucial role in managing hazardous waste generated by industries, healthcare facilities, laboratories and other sources. They provide a controlled environment and specialized infrastructure to handle hazardous materials safely, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and protecting public health.
It’s important to note that TSDFs are subject to stringent regulatory oversight and must obtain permits and comply with specific requirements to operate. Inspections, monitoring and record-keeping are essential components of TSDF operations to ensure compliance and accountability in hazardous waste management.
As a business, you’re also responsible for ensuring the proper transportation of your hazardous waste to TSDFs, which we’ll further explain later in this article.
In addition to household hazardous waste centers and TSDFs that larger industrial companies use to help manage their waste, there are several specialized hazardous waste disposal centers that include:
The more hazardous waste you generate, the more demanding your disposal and transportation requirements that your business must follow will be, whether you’re a small quantity generator (SQG) or a large quantity generator (LQG).
Even if you qualify as a Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator, you’re still responsible for ensuring that the waste your business generates is properly and safely disposed of. Although you may be able to drop off your waste at one of the hazardous waste disposal centers we mentioned above, many businesses opt to work with hazardous waste disposal companies in order to comply with cradle to grave requirements. Cradle to grave is another way of saying you’re responsible for your company’s waste from its initial generation through disposal.
Improper hazardous waste disposal practices can have a long-term impact on your company, which is why it’s essential to work with a reputable hazardous waste transporter and disposal company.
The best disposal company will:
The best hazardous waste disposal pick up services are familiar with state and federal regulations, including how they define large vs. small hazardous waste generators. This is important for your bottom line because a company’s waste generator status is measured on a monthly basis. Companies can go from one category to another from month to month based upon changes in production.
Make sure the hazardous waste disposal company that you work with is licensed and regulated by checking the California Department of Toxic Substances Control’s Registered Hazardous Waste Transporter Database.
An experienced disposal company can help you navigate state and federal laws and ensure your waste safely arrives at the appropriate hazardous waste disposal center.