Once a remediation company’s work is completed, it may seem as though the job is done. The truth is, one of the most important parts of the job still must take place.
The type of work remediation companies perform is extremely important. Environmental remediation companies use specialized techniques to solve complex conditions, including mold growth and other types of contamination.
These environments often pose a significant risk to human health and the environment. That’s why during the cleanup process, special care must be taken to avoid exposing the public to these environmental hazards that can cause humans to develop harmful health conditions. This special care must be prioritized not only during the remediation process but afterward when any hazardous waste accumulated must be disposed of according to the law.
Waste disposal services are an essential service every remediation company needs. Any hazardous chemicals and other substances used during the remediation process must be disposed of properly. Often contaminated materials that cannot be saved during remediation must be disposed of safely, according to local, state and federal laws.
If your remediation company doesn’t yet partner with waste disposal services, you could be missing out on an opportunity to assure clients your business is well equipped to safely dispose of any hazards a job site poses … or worse, at risk for hazardous waste violations that could threaten the future of your company.
How Mold Remediation Produces Hazardous Substances
Mold remediation is a complex process that often gets confused with mold removal services. While mold remediation
removes mold from a property, this type of service also works to get to the root of the problem to help manage the problem in the long term. After all, mold is a natural substance, with up to 5 million species of fungi in the world.
A mold remediation company will offer services at a variety of locations, from a home to an office building, a manufacturing facility and more. A remediation technician will typically:
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Perform a mold inspection, identifying and repairing the source of the problem that is leading to mold growth, such as water damage
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Dehumidify the affected areas so that they return to levels that will not promote future mold growth
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Contain the area to prevent mold spores from spreading to other areas
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Remove any materials not part of the structure that have sustained mold damage
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Treat the mold with an agent that lifts it off any structural surfaces
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Vacuum the area with a HEPA vacuum that captures the mold
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Apply an antimicrobial agent, which offers a final protective coat
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Test and identify other areas of the property where mold growth may not be visible yet, but where the conditions are right for mold to develop
As you can see, there are many ways hazardous conditions and materials can quickly develop, from the chemicals used to treat the mold to the necessary removal of any materials that have been affected by the mold.
Benefits Of Partnering With A Waste Disposal Company
Improper waste disposal can harm air, soil, water and wildlife health. Any chemicals or materials that come in contact with hazardous properties and become contaminated themselves must be properly disposed of.
Hazardous waste disposal is heavily regulated in the United States, both from the federal government and at state levels. Not ensuring any chemicals or contaminated materials removed from your remediation job site are properly disposed of can lead to substantial fines.
These fines aren’t only reserved for large corporations, either. Small businesses can be fined for illegal disposal, and those fines can be more difficult to recover from in the long term.
In 2022, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection fined a business owner $600,000 for illegally dumping waste at five sites in the county where he provided business over a three-year period. The agency says the owner of the trucking and stone supply business used his company trucks to dump more than 1,800 truckfuls of solid waste without a permit.
This is just one example of many across the nation that illustrate how one bad decision can cause a disaster for your business and reputation. Experienced hazardous waste disposal companies can help you prevent scenes like the one above from unfolding.
The best disposal companies have experience staying on top of changing regulations, so you don’t have to worry about keeping up with evolving laws that are consistently changing in many states and at the federal level. One of the most recent examples of this is in 2020, when California added treated woof to the hazardous waste list. If your company performs black mold removal or must clean up after water damage, this law may be of interest to you if you remove treated wood from a property.
Remediation projects can be massive in size, and you may not know the extent of a contamination until a project is well underway. Developing a relationship with a commercial hazardous waste disposal service ahead of time can save you a lot of time on the back end and ensure there are no hold-ups once remediation services have been completed.
What A Waste Disposal Company Should Offer
As you look for a high-quality waste disposal company partner, it’s important to look for a team of experts who will help your remediation services stand out and offer a complete package to your clients. Partnering with a hazardous waste company ahead of time that is licensed in black mold removal can offer prospective customers the reassurance they need to hire you.
The best waste disposal company can:
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Transport large amounts of compromised materials to the proper disposal site
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Dispose of toxic chemicals used during the remediation process, such as biocide, which carries some toxic properties that adversely impacts the environment
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Identify any unknown wastes through sampling and testing
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Prepare transportation documents, including labels, manifests and other paperwork
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Offer prompt pickups, which can be important at job sites that need closed quickly
One additional service that can help a remediation company prepare at the beginning of a project is a walk-through program. The best disposal companies have years of experience offering walk-through services, which are consultative in nature and help you identify any potential problems that you may face.
Hazardous waste companies should also:
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Be licensed and bonded
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Have adequate insurance to ensure your company is protected to the fullest
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Be properly permitted for the transportation, storage, treatment and disposal of waste identified
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Have demonstrated a good sound history of regulatory compliance
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Have adequate personnel that are properly trained in handling the type of materials you will be removing from a property
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Be able to provide a statement of qualifications (SOQ)
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Be able to provide a list of references on past projects similar to the environmental remediation services your company is providing to provide peace of mind
The projects for which you are providing remediation services can be massive in size. There’s a good chance the mold or other contaminants you are removing, as well as the chemicals you are using, will need proper disposal.
Rather than wait until you know you need the services of a hazardous waste company, it’s beneficial to establish a relationship with a service you are considering before a project begins. Otherwise, you may have to wait until a company can remove infested materials before you can finish a project, costing your business time and impacting your client relationship.
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