Choosing a Reputable Partner Minimizes Your Risks for Regulated Waste Related Fines
Published October 2017
One of the most important concepts for generators of waste to understand is Cradle-to-Grave. You can see the EPA’s definition HERE. But, in a nut shell, this means that the generator of waste is responsible to ultimate disposal. Nothing will relinquish a generator of this responsibility and there’s no expiration date or time limit. Hiring someone else to transport and dispose of your waste does NOT transfer responsibility.
Read more: http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/cradle-to-grave.html
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 also negatively affect your company image, as well as result in fines and other additional fees for you, it’s important to know the following about anyone you allow to manage your regulated waste:
- Can they provide names and contacts to current customers (similar to you) as references?
- Does the vendor have adequate insurance? They should be able to provide not only commercial liability, but also pollution coverage.
- Where does the waste go? Can the vendor provide all downstream channel and facility information?
- What documentation and paperwork is provided? Depending on the waste type, waste profiles and hazardous waste manifests may be required. Certificates of Recycling/disposal should be provided every shipment, and your vendor should be able to provide you with usage reports, as requested.
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.