2020

If you haven’t read it yet, be sure to look back at last week’s post, “Handling Paints and Coatings Waste from Your Business: Part I.”

Industrial Paint Disposal 

What does your business do with its empty paint cans, leftover paint, and paint-related rags? Does your business test its paint and coatings waste products to make sure they are not hazardous? What measures does your company take to make sure its industrial paint disposal practices are acceptable and compliant with local, state, and federal laws?

Visit a retail store, and you’ll likely see the cleaning aisle is separate from the health aisle. The beauty aisle might be around another corner. But from an environmental regulatory standpoint, the products in these aisles share many similarities. Many retail consumer products or products used in health care facilities should be handled as hazardous waste if they are returned, recalled, damaged, spilled, expired or mix with other products.

As a generator of hazardous and/or non-hazardous waste, you may have materials that can be sent offsite for recycling. Doing so has the potential to place you in a smaller generator category, save your company money and build your reputation as a green business. But sending your recyclable hazardous materials offsite can also create big liabilities if your recycler is irresponsible.

RCRA regulations on hazardous waste management protect the environment and human health. Understanding RCRA regulations protects generators from incurring heavy fines and facing lawsuits and criminal prosecution. Here are some of the most common mistakes companies make that lead to heavy fines for noncompliance.