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On May 24, 2023, the EPA issued guidance for correctly applying hazardous waste and recycling regulations in the disposal of lithium-ion batteries. These types of batteries are used in cars, electronics, lawnmowers, e-scooters, electric bicycles, and many other devices, and usage of these types of batteries continues to increase. “The growth of the circular economy […]
The EPA and an Alaska hospital recently entered into an Expedited Settlement Agreement and Final Order to resolve alleged Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) hazardous waste regulations violations. The EPA inspected the facility May 11–12, 2022, and identified several violations. This particular case highlights the importance of understanding waste accumulation requirements. Storage of hazardous […]
For the last few years, many “big box” retailers have found themselves the subject of hazardous waste enforcement suits after California enforcement agencies conducted “dumpster dive” inspections to determine exactly what kind of waste is being disposed of by these companies. These retailers include Target Corp., Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Whole Foods Market California Inc., and […]
The EPA recently announced a settlement with Siemens Industry, Inc., d/b/a Russelectric, a Siemens Business, a Delaware corporation, whereby the company agreed to pay a $121,546 penalty and has confirmed the facility is in compliance with state and federal hazardous waste management laws. The company, a power control system manufacturer in Hingham, Massachusetts, allegedly violated […]
In our latest installment of Ask the Expert, brought to you by the team of industry experts at EHS Hero®, we look at a recent question from a subscriber asking about secondary containment of hazardous liquid waste. See what the experts had to say. Q: Is secondary containment of hazardous liquid waste recommended or required for […]
In our latest installment of Ask the Expert, brought to you by the team of industry experts at EHS Hero®, we look at a recent question from a subscriber asking about the waste classification of welding rods. See what the experts had to say. Q: Is used welding rod considered a universal waste or a hazardous […]
Back to Basics is a weekly feature that highlights important but possibly overlooked information that any EHS professional should know. This week, we examine the Environmental Protection Agency’s requirements for universal waste. Hazardous waste management is a topic that encompasses a wide variety of wastes and procedures that helps to keep the harmful effects of […]
As a result of a legal agreement reached on May 3, 2022, with the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD), the EPA has nine months to analyze the toxic impact of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC, also commonly referred to as vinyl, is widely used for many functions, and there are currently 7 billion pounds of the […]
On December 20, 2021, the EPA announced it will utilize $1 billion from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds to begin clearing the backlog of 49 Superfund sites and continue cleanup of other Superfund sites across the United States. Superfund Defined In 1980, Congress established the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), more commonly known […]
Hazardous waste generators are allowed to accumulate small amounts of hazardous waste in locations at or near the point of generation where wastes initially accumulate. These satellite accumulation areas (SAA) must be under the control of the person operating the process generating the hazardous waste. “Both large quantity generators (LQGs) and small quantity generators (SQGs) […]