If you have hazardous waste in your business, you need to dispose of it safely to protect both those around you and the environment. However, many people make mistakes when disposing of hazardous waste and end up paying expensive fines. Here are some common waste disposal mistakes you should avoid.

Keeping Waste for a Long Time

The Environmental Health and Safety department controls the accumulation of waste. Many regulations involve the collection of hazardous waste appropriately before shipping them. For example, the agency monitors hazardous waste training, contingency planning, and weekly inspection logs.

However, the agency also fixes the period for picking waste from generators. There is a 90-day limit beginning when the accumulation starts. Furthermore, the waste container should have a 90-day clock attached to it. Therefore, there is a limited period within which you should keep hazardous waste.

Dumping In Restricted Areas

The illegal act dumping of toxic and hazardous waste is prohibited. This is one of the most common mistakes people make when dealing with hazardous waste. Remember, regulators can trace back toxic waste to the point of origin.

Illegally dumping it in sewers leads to significant fines. In the past, some retailers paid millions for dumping toxic waste in sewers. Therefore, avoid dumping hazardous waste in a landfill or down the drain.

Improper Labeling

Labeling containers with toxic waste is crucial for the safety of those around you. It also helps the authority track where the waste has been generated if it is improperly disposed of. When labeling hazardous material, include the words "Hazardous Waste." Also include the name and address of your business.

Other details you should indicate on the container include the date when you started accumulating the waste material and the identity of the waste. Don't forget to state the composition of the waste and its physical state. Most importantly, state whether the material is corrosive, reactive, flammable, or toxic.

Using the Wrong Containers

Apart from properly labeling containers with hazardous waste, there are guidelines on the containers you should use. If you are disposing of liquid waste, use screw-capped bottles or drums. When dealing with solid waste, use sturdy bags and largemouth jars.

Make sure the container is in good condition and covered with a lid. Remember that the Environmental Health and Safety department discourages beverage containers or containers with corks and glass or rubber stoppers. EHS has the authority to reject the acceptance of waste that hasn't been collected in appropriate materials or which violates DOT packaging standards.

For more tips on hazardous waste disposal methods, contact a local service.