Hazardous & Non-Hazardous Waste Disposal FAQs in Houston, TX

Excel Industrial Group specializes in industrial and hazardous waste management. We also provide resources and education to local companies that are committed to improving their waste management strategies. Our low-cost, environmentally safe industrial and chemical waste disposal services are designed to protect you, your company and staff, our surrounding communities, and the environment. We have gathered the answers to some frequently asked questions about hazardous and non-hazardous waste disposal in Houston, TX. Call us if you have a question that isn’t answered here, or if you want a quote for waste management services.

What Is Non-Hazardous & Hazardous Industrial Waste?

Before your company creates a waste management program, it’s crucial to complete industrial waste assessments and analysis, and understand the differences between non-hazardous and hazardous waste. Hazardous waste poses a risk to human and animal life and the environment. It is classified as being corrosive, chemically reactive, ignitable, and toxic. It can be in liquid, gas, or solid form. Some examples include solvents, motor oils, battery acid, mercury, chemical cleaners, and manufacturing byproducts.

Non-hazardous waste is not dangerous or harmful. However, it can still have an impact on the environment, especially if it ends up in a landfill or is improperly disposed of. While it doesn’t exhibit the characteristics of hazardous waste, you must still follow local and federal waste disposal regulations. Some examples of non-hazardous industrial waste include paper, cardboard, plastic packaging, glass, metal, and organic materials.

Why Does Proper Waste Classification Matter?

Proper waste classification ensures compliance with local and federal regulations regarding hazardous waste management services. Properly managing and disposing of waste prevents environmental pollution and contamination, protects human and animal health, and enables efficient recycling and product recovery. Waste that is classified incorrectly can pose a health, safety, or environmental hazard and may increase your risk of legal or financial liability. Proper classification ensures that all materials are transported, stored, handled, and disposed of safely, and that any usable resources are salvaged.

What Are Some Examples of Hazardous Materials?

The most common hazardous materials generated through industrial and manufacturing processes include:

• Pesticides and herbicides
• Heavy metals like lead, chromium, mercury, and cadmium
• Solvents like acetone and paint thinners
• Industrial sludges
• Discarded photo processing fixer wastes
• Waste inks
• Dry cleaning chemicals
• Gasoline
• Vehicle batteries
• Plating wastes
• Strong acids and bases
• Peroxides
• Cyanide
• Explosives
• Fluorescent light bulbs
• Waste electronics
• Industrial cleaning agents and chemicals
• Medical waste

Why Is Proper Disposal of Industrial Waste Important?

Proper disposal of industrial waste can prevent environmental damage, protect public health, and ensure legal compliance. When waste is discarded improperly, it can contaminate the air, ground, and water. It may harm crops and plants, wildlife, and humans. Responsibly disposing of waste according to guidelines can reduce landfill waste, support recycling and reuse, and conserve natural resources. You will also be doing your part to protect the environment and maintain your company’s public image.

How Are Hazardous Materials Regulated?

Hazardous waste is regulated by federal, state, and local agencies. Certain agencies, such as the EPA, OSHA, DOT, and the Department of Homeland Security, oversee compliance with these regulations. Regulation occurs through classification and labeling, packaging, handling and storage, transportation, use, disposal, training and education, and emergency spill response.

Can Different Hazardous & Non-Hazardous Materials Be Stored Together?

Different hazardous and non-hazardous materials can sometimes be stored together, provided they are properly segregated. You must follow all safety regulations to the letter. Chemicals with different hazard classes, such as acids, bases, flammables, and oxidizers, should be stored separately and contained using physical barriers. You should always check the material safety data sheet before storing any chemicals or products in the same area.

What Are the Legal Consequences of Violating HAZMAT Laws?

Violating HAZMAT laws can result in financial, civil, and criminal penalties. This includes fines, jail time, and lost business, as well as damage to your company’s reputation. The civil penalties for a standard violation are up to $102,348 per violation per day, while severe violations can incur penalties of up to $238,809 per violation per day. Criminal penalties can include fines and prison time.

How Do I Know What to Use for Storing Different Hazardous Materials?

You must adhere to the information on the product’s label and material data safety sheet. These will provide specific instructions for proper storage, including what containers to use, temperature and environmental requirements, shelf life, transportation, use, and disposal.

What Are Some Common Materials That Take a Long Time to Degrade?

When waste is improperly disposed of or sent to a landfill, it may take a long time to degrade. Some materials that biodegrade very slowly include:

• Glass bottles
• Plastic bags
• Styrofoam
• Aluminum and tin cans
• Disposable diapers
• Batteries
• Fishing line
• Leather

What Are the Recommended Guidelines for HAZMAT-Incident Contingency Plans?

Before creating any kind of environmental contingency plan, you should consult with an expert. Some important elements to include are:

• Formal written safety and health program that has been reviewed by an expert
• Designated emergency coordinator and alternates
• Clearly designed roles and lines of authority for all key emergency response personnel
• Defined, outlined internal and external emergency communication protocols
• Established procedures for preventing emergencies
• Defined emergency spill response plans
• Evaluation and shelter-in-place plans
• Emergency equipment list and inventory
• Decontamination procedures and medical treatment protocols
• Training, testing, and drills to ensure understanding and compliance

Do OSHA Workplace Rules Affect Hazardous Waste Management?

Yes, OSHA directly oversees all workplace rules related to hazardous waste disposal and management. Its Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) standard 29 CFR 1910.120 mandates specific safety requirements for hazardous waste cleanup, treatment, storage, disposal, and emergency response protocols.

What Is the Difference Between Hazardous & Toxic Waste?

Hazardous waste is a very broad term that includes any waste that is dangerous. Toxic waste is a type of hazardous waste, and the classification is based on the toxicity of the substance. It can cause illness, injury, or death. It may be able to persist in the environment and build up in the food chain. It often contains chemicals like heavy metals or dangerous organic compounds. Some examples include lead, mercury, arsenic, pesticides, and solvents.

What Are the Best Practices for Disposing of Industrial Drums?

Industrial drums and hazardous waste drums should be transported and disposed of according to local and federal guidelines pertaining to the materials contained within. Before disposal, they should be emptied, cleaned, and decontaminated. If they can be safely reused, you should follow all guidelines for reuse. If they can be recycled, you should follow all guidelines for recycling industrial drums. Otherwise, you should dispose of them according to local, state, and federal regulations.

Contact Excel Industrial Group for Industrial Waste Disposal

If you have further questions that haven’t been answered here, our industrial hazardous waste disposal experts at Excel Industrial Group are happy to help. Call us now or reach out to us online to learn more about our industrial waste management solutions in Houston, TX. We specialize in industrial waste transportation and disposal, environmental cleanup, emergency spill response, waste analysis, product recovery solutions, and chemical trading.