TRC Blog

Universal Waste Recycling (25 posts)

Battery recycling with retrofit environmental

Battery Recycling – What Happens To Old Batteries? (Detailed Guide)

Brett Weber, Environmental Sales Rep for Retrofit Environmental in the Twin Cities, MN, provides hazardous & regulated waste recycling tips

September 17, 2021

Hazardous Waste Recycling Tips – Brett Weber (Video)

Brett Weber, Environmental Sales Rep for Retrofit Environmental in the Twin Cities, MN, provides hazardous & regulated waste recycling tips

June 14, 2021
Battery containing devices are a problem for escrap recyclers

Battery Containing Devices – A Recycling Challenge

Battery Containing Devices (BCDs) are a growing concern to e-scrap recyclers. Huge volumes of electronics with imbedded rechargeable batteries create massive risks and challenges for e-scrap recyclers. Better processes need to be created to ensure these devices are being properly processed and do not end up in landfills.

March 19, 2021
Aerosol Waste now accepted in Iowa as Universal Waste: Schedule a Pickup with TRC to recycle your Aerosol Waste

Universal Waste Aerosol Recycling Program

Aerosols now accepted as Universal Waste in Iowa, making it much easier and less expensive to recycle. Share with your Iowa businesses & we will schedule a pickup! #Recycle #EnvironmentalServices #TRC #Aerosols #AerosolWaste #UniversalWaste #EPA #RCRA

August 18, 2020
BLUE EARTH ART CENTER – CUSTOMER SPOTLIGHT

Blue Earth Art Center – Customer Spotlight

With hopes of bringing her dream community art center to life, a local Blue Earth, MN woman needed our help with a chemical clean out of an abandoned building.

January 13, 2020
Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal

Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal

  Order. Pak. Ship. Easy.   ReturnPak: DEA Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal Program Many residents and businesses have expired or unused pharmaceutical products and don’t know what to do with them. The Retrofit Companies, Inc. is excited to share with you this cost-effective, environmentally friendly program. Pharmaceutical Waste ReturnPak is designed to help you properly dispose […]

October 9, 2019
PART 6: IT’S JUST…CERAMIC GLAZE

Part 6: It’s Just…Ceramic Glaze

A Guide to Common Products with Uncommon Properties  By: Nick Dryden   Part 6: It’s Just…Ceramic Glaze This is part 6 of our It’s Just… series on common products we see in industry.  In this series we will be focusing on the chemicals found in these products, where you might find them in your facility, […]

August 29, 2019
PART 5: IT’S JUST…EPOXY

Part 5: It’s Just…Epoxy

A Guide to Common Products with Uncommon Properties  By: Nick Dryden   Part 5: It’s Just…Epoxy This is part 5 of our It’s Just… series on common products we see in industry.  In this series we will be focusing on the chemicals found in these products, where you might find them in your facility, and […]

August 19, 2019

Part 4: It’s Just…Paint

A Guide to Common Products with Uncommon Properties  By: Nick Dryden   Part 4: It’s Just…Paint This is part 4 of our It’s Just… series on common products we see in industry.  In this series we will be focusing on the chemicals found in these products, where you might find them in your facility, and […]

August 8, 2019

Part 3: It’s Just…Windex

A Guide to Common Products with Uncommon Properties  By: Nick Dryden   Part 3: It’s Just…Windex This is part 3 of our It’s Just… series on common products we see in industry.  In this series we will be focusing on the chemicals found in these products, where you might find them in your facility, and […]

July 31, 2019

Part 2: It’s Just…Drano

A Guide to Common Products with Uncommon Properties  By: Nick Dryden   Part 2: It’s Just…Drano This is part 2 of our It’s Just… series on common products we see in industry.  In this series we will be focusing on the chemicals found in these products, where you might find them in your facility, and […]

July 15, 2019

How To Properly Dispose of Smoke Detectors

By Steve Jacobs, Environmental Division Manager Why Should I Properly Dispose of Smoke Detector? Customers frequently ask us about properly disposing of smoke detectors and why they are different from other electronic scrap wastes. With these life-saving devices in nearly every home, you would assume disposal would be fairly easy. So why can’t we just […]

July 11, 2019

How to Package Batteries for Shipment

Steve Jacobs, Environmental Services Director for The Retrofit Companies, Inc., shares tips on how to follow proper packaging guidelines for common battery types, including alkaline, lithium, lead acid and nickel cadmium.

June 19, 2019

Part 1: It’s Just…Bondo

A Guide to Common Products with Uncommon Properties  By: Nick Dryden   Part 1: It’s Just…Bondo This is part 1 of our It’s Just… series on common products we see in industry.  In this series we will be focusing on the chemicals found in these products, where you might find them in your facility, and how […]

June 12, 2019

Aerosol Can Recycling Program

TRC Aerosol Recycling Program* *please note that state regulations change frequently; please contact TRC for the latest regulations in your state   Despite the changing regulations around Aerosol recycling, TRC is pleased to provide an easy program for businesses in Minnesota to comply. Since introducing the program in 2016, we have seen a growing number […]

June 10, 2019

Customer Spotlight – Bob Shellen, Amesbury Truth

Today we checked in with Bob at Amesbury Truth in Owatonna, MN to talk about their business and working with TRC. We have partnered on both Environmental Services projects and Lighting projects over the years, and today he told us about one of the very first projects that was a success and why he continues to work with TRC.

April 23, 2018

Shedding some light on led lamp recycling requirements

It is undisputed that LED lamps have become the leading lighting technology, offering the benefits of energy savings, longevity and quality of light. With the rise of their popularity, several of our customers have inquired as to the regulations regarding their proper disposal and recycling.

October 23, 2017

Recharging your Knowledge of Recycling Batteries

Since the mid-1990’s TRC has gained expertise in the safe transportation of wastes ranging from toxic gases to Mercury containing lamps. Our recycling trucks have transported everything from old light bulbs to lead paint. This expertise and knowledge of waste handling and disposal regulations have helped our clients simplify the disposal and recycling process for all types of Universal and Hazardous waste.

August 23, 2016

Aerosol Can Recycling Process

Aerosol can disposal has recently undergone some changes in Minnesota and The Retrofit Companies has designed a program for Minnesota businesses to take advantage of these new regulations. Under this program TRC accepts waste aerosols for recycling or disposal on our Universal Waste Bill of Lading. Aerosols may be packaged into any of our UN-rated […]

June 23, 2016

Aerosol Can Recycling as Universal Waste in Minnesota

  The MPCA has officially adopted aerosols into the universal waste program.  Aerosol cans may now be recycled on our standard Universal Waste Bill of Lading with TRC in the state of Minnesota. When you schedule a pick up for other recyclable waste like, fluorescent lamps, batteries, electronic waste (computers), or mercury, you can now […]

June 23, 2016

Pre-Paid Recycling Program

TRC is stepping up our services with RecyclePak®, an easy, pre-paid recycling solution for small quantities of Universal Waste, such as fluorescent lamps, batteries, ballasts, batteries, and mercury waste. Simply select the container for your waste type, and it is delivered to you. With one payment you receive a shipping container, mailing label, on-site pickup, recycling […]

April 23, 2016

Mercury Spills & How To Safely Handle Mercury Waste

Because of the dangers mercury waste poses to the environment and the health of others, the Department of Transportation has regulated how it must be transported. The main focus when transporting mercury is containment. There are some packaging and handling guidelines in effect to help prevent spills.

July 23, 2013

Understanding Mercury Waste & Mercury Recycling Process

While we have found safer uses and have been able to reduce the amount of mercury required to create a viable product, as is the case with fluorescent lamps, that does not mean it is any less dangerous. The harmful effects of mercury are still present and it must be handled, stored, transported and recycled carefully.

June 23, 2013

Four Things You Must Know to Responsibly Recycle Your Electronics

When you are finished with a computer you should make sure your information is no longer accessible and that the hazardous materials in the equipment are properly handled. This is why it is especially important to responsibly recycle e-waste with a trusted, certified recycler.

June 23, 2013

Fluorescent Lamp Recycling: Small amounts of mercury, big hazard

Many states have required recycling of all fluorescent lamps. While it is not yet a nationwide law, the EPA recommends that all types of fluorescent lamps be disposed of as if they are a hazardous waste.

May 23, 2013