Handling hazardous waste is a process all businesses must take seriously. Things you don’t think are dangerous, like batteries and large quantities of cleaning supplies, may pose a serious risk in the wrong hands. Your company’s waste management plan must follow strict guidelines, from storage to disposal.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Transportation (DoT) work together to regulate hazardous waste transportation. Learn how to minimize the risks of transporting hazardous waste to avoid breaking laws.
Become Familiar With EPA and DoT Regulations
First, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with EPA and DoT regulations. These rules can become complex; to prevent confusion, many businesses hire safety managers to become experts in all things hazardous waste.
For example, government agencies require transporters to each have a special ID number. This identification allows the EPA and the DoT to track waste through its journey to disposal. A qualified individual must also inspect waste before loading it into a vehicle for removal.
Take the Necessary Precautions
Hazardous waste has its name for a reason—materials are dangerous if you handle them improperly. You must take necessary precautions when preparing your business’s waste for transport. Everyone coming in contact with toxic materials must have plenty of personal protective equipment (PPE), like robes, gloves, and goggles.
You should also keep your hazardous waste storage site free of any debris; this helps make loading materials onto disposal vehicles safe and easy. Confirm that all storage containers have tight seals to prevent spills and cross-contamination during the journey.
Work With a Lab Packing Service
The best way to minimize the risks of transporting hazardous waste is by working with a lab packing service. These professionals know EPA and DoT regulations like the backs of their hands. They also have the right vehicles, storage containers, and loading equipment to take care of things quickly.
If you want to avoid common hazardous waste violations, you must be careful when choosing a transportation service. Your liability doesn’t end just because you’ve outsourced the work. A good disposal company has a proven track record of transforming inefficient waste management plans for the better.
You must also classify all of your company’s materials and practice proper labeling to ensure a successful transport. Hazardous waste shouldn’t be something that puts your business in jeopardy; use these tips to take control of your material disposal.
