CHOOSING A REGULATED WASTE DISPOSAL VENDOR WITH POOR ETHICS AND LITTLE RESPONSIBILITY CAN LEAVE YOU WITH DOUBLE DISPOSAL COSTS AND FINES
One of the most important concepts for waste generators to understand is “cradle-to-grave.” You can see the EPA’s definition HERE, but in a nutshell, it means the generator is responsible for the waste all the way through final disposal. This responsibility never expires and can’t be transferred. Even if you hire a third party to transport and dispose of your waste, you as the generator remain ultimately responsible.
Recently, charges have been filed against two vendors who were previously trusted to properly handle their clients’ waste.
Luminaire Environmental and Technologies Inc. Plymouth, MN
http://www.startribune.com/plymouth-waste-disposal-operators-charged-in-fraud-scheme/446253773
Recycletronics Sioux City, IA
Because the actions of your chosen vendors can negatively affect your company’s reputation and may result in fines and other unexpected costs, it is essential to carefully evaluate any organization you allow to manage your regulated waste. When assessing potential vendors, consider the following questions:
Can the vendor provide names and contact information for current customers—ideally those similar to your organization—who can serve as references?
Does the vendor carry adequate insurance coverage? At a minimum, they should be able to demonstrate both commercial liability insurance and pollution liability coverage.
Where is the waste ultimately sent? Ask the vendor to supply complete information on all downstream channels and facilities involved in handling, processing, and disposing of your waste.
What documentation and paperwork will you receive? Depending on the type of waste, you may need waste profiles and hazardous waste manifests. Certificates of recycling or disposal should accompany every shipment, and your vendor should be able to provide usage or activity reports whenever you request them.
You should be prepared and have a plan. [Check out our blog for help preparing a waste management plan.] Monitor and manage your plan, and the service provided to ensure you are in compliance should never be overlooked.
At The Retrofit Companies, your environmental compliance is our top priority. We offer a range of environmental services, assisting with material inventories, legal documentation, and access to approved packaging options. In addition to proper shipping procedures and an extensive network of disposal partners, rest assured that your waste handling and recycling needs are covered by TRC. We’re here to be the hazardous waste recycling and disposal partner you are looking for.