Businesses utilizing hazardous chemicals often find that after they’ve been used, disposing of these dangerous chemicals can be a challenge. Bell Chem, a water treatment chemical supplier, can help. Before finding out how to dispose of waste, it is important to understand what constitutes as hazardous waste.

Is It Hazardous Waste?
If the chemical is harmful to humans or the environment, it is considered hazardous waste. Hazardous materials may be in liquid, solid, gas, or plasma form. However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates only solid hazardous waste. To determine if your waste is considered hazardous, use the following EPA guidelines.

Identify
Hazardous materials are often the by-product of hazardous ingredients or chemicals. Many hazardous solids are subject to RCRA Subtitle C regulation and have stringent guidelines for disposal. Look for “hazardous” labels on containers when they are delivered, and determine in which manner they may be harmful. By-products must be placed in an appropriate container with “hazardous waste” written on it. A description of the hazards caused by the material is necessary, along with the date the material was collected. Warning labels with RCRA information, the National Fire Protection Association, Department of Transportation hazard communication, or OSHA hazard statements or pictograms are all acceptable.

Count
The accumulation of each type of solid waste should be weighed and categorized into Large-, Small-, or Very Small Quantity Generators. Your business will fall into one of these categories determined by the monthly amount of weight amassed.

Notify
Large- and Small Quantity Generators must contact the EPA regarding all hazardous waste activities.

Manage
Determine if your hazardous waste material can be recycled, treated, distilled, evaporated, neutralized, diluted, flushed, or heated. These processes, if followed using OSHA standards or the like, can drastically reduce the amount of accumulated waste.  

Transport
A shipping manifest must be printed to transport hazardous waste to a disposal facility, or a landfill if the material has been neutralized.

Proper removal of hazardous waste from your business is imperative. The water treatment chemical supplier company, Bell Chem, wants your employees to be safe in and around these materials. Based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) Bell Chem has hundreds of products stocked in our 50,000+ square-foot warehouse. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.