We’ve said it before, but it bears perpetual repeating: the proper understanding, labeling, and handling of hazardous waste is paramount. It’s crucial not only to the health and safety of our planet and communities, but also to the status and success of your business. Noncompliance comes with a long list of potential repercussions including hefty fines and penalties.
At Skolnik, we take great pride in being a knowledgeable resource for our customers, but know that there are many trusted sources of information out there to help you understand and comply with hazardous waste regulations.
As discussed in previous blogs, all employees and personnel of facilities generating hazardous materials must, by law, be fully trained in the proper handling and storage procedures of the material in question. Many of the resources for that training are also valuable resources for general information and ongoing updates about compliance and regulations.
On the EPA’s official website, you can learn the basics of hazardous waste and hazardous waste management, including the ‘cradle-to-grave’ process and regulations for specific wastes.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also has a page dedicated to Hazardous Waste recognition and standards, as well as critical information surrounding evaluating or mitigating exposure, and formulating an emergency response for when prevention measures fail.
We also recommend checking out your state-specific EPA website for local administrative codes and regulations, as they may have further requirements for compliance, but also often have additional resources for helping your organization stay on top of everything.
Furthermore, there are studies and texts available on the subject of hazardous waste management. However, as this is an ever-evolving landscape, please take care that printed material or ebooks are not A) out of date with current regulations or B) has been AI generated and thus not reliably vetted by experts.
It’s true that staying compliant and apprised on all things hazardous waste management can feel overwhelming, but know that there are always resources available to help guide you. And, while your various hazmat partners might not be able to legally provide advice or guidance, they can always point you in the direction of agencies that can. We all share this earth, so never hesitate to ask for help with understanding and properly handling hazardous waste.