-
Common Violations in Hazardous Waste Management
Violations in Disposing Hazardous Waste in Houston, TX
A comprehensive hazardous waste management program is crucial to remain compliant with local and federal regulations and protect public health and the environment. Non-compliance can result in financial and legal liability, damage to your company’s reputation, and risk to public health and local ecosystems. Unfortunately, many companies end up committing violations when disposing of hazardous waste in Houston, TX. This is due to a combination of negligence, ignorance, and lack of time, resources, and proper education or training. Here is a closer look at the most common improper disposal of hazardous waste, along with the risks and implications.
What Is Hazardous Waste?
Hazardous waste is any waste or byproduct that is potentially harmful to human or wildlife health or the environment. This includes materials that are toxic, chemically reactive, flammable, or corrosive. Some examples of hazardous waste include:
- Solvents
- Manufacturing byproducts
- Solvent-based paint and pigments
- Pesticides and herbicides
- Garden chemicals
- Motor oil and automotive fuels
- Pharmaceuticals
- Batteries
- Cleaning and polishing chemicals
Importance of an Environmental Contingency Plan
An environmental contingency plan is a blueprint for how you will respond to a threat or emergency. The goal is to prioritize safety, protect the environment and public health, and mitigate risk. The plan should include toxic and hazardous waste management, preventive measures, and emergency spill or disaster containment. A plan is important because it:
- Outlines steps for handling emergencies, which can improve response time
- Reduces the risk of accidents and spills
- Protects the environment and surrounding communities
- Ensures compliance with local and federal regulations
- Reduces the risk of financial liability
- Ensures business continuity
- Allows you to prepare for the unknown
Most Common Ways Companies Fail at Hazardous Waste Disposal
Your company could be at risk of improper waste disposal and not even realize it. Some of the most common violations in hazardous waste management include:
- Improperly labeling containers or not labeling them with hazard warnings.
- Storing products in the wrong type of container or leaving hazardous waste containers open.
- Not performing a hazardous waste determination during disposal.
- Keeping expired or outdated waste.
- Dumping waste down the drain, in a waterway, in the regular trash, in a landfill, or in other unauthorized areas.
- Mismanaging toxic or harmful substances.
- Exceeding accumulation times.
- Not creating an environmental contingency plan.
- Poor recordkeeping.
- Lack of employee training or adherence to protocols.
- Not keeping up with inspections or performing them improperly.
- Delaying corrective actions to address issues found in inspections.
- Exceeding generator limits.
Why You Can’t Risk Improper Disposal of Hazardous Waste
Improper disposal of hazardous waste can harm the environment and human health. Some of the most serious risks are:
- Respiratory problems
- Cancer
- Birth defects
- Skin irritation or burns
- Poisoning
- Developmental delays
- Soil and water contamination
- Ecological harm
- Air pollution
- Fines and legal action
- Costly environmental remediation needs
- Damage to your reputation
Steps to Take to Avoid Improper Waste Disposal
To protect your company, employees, community, and the environment, it’s important to be proactive about mitigating your risk of improper waste disposal. Some of the best practices to avoid violations are:
- Properly test and identify hazardous and toxic waste.
- Segregate hazardous waste and do not mix it with regular garbage.
- Keep different types of hazardous waste separate.
- Use compatible containers that won’t corrode or react with the waste.
- Keep containers properly labeled and closed.
- Designate a specific storage area for hazardous waste.
- Inspect storage areas daily.
- Train employees on the proper handling, storage, transportation, and management of hazardous waste.
- Have an emergency spill containment protocol in effect.
- Contract with a local hazardous waste management company for proper removal and disposal.
- Maintain accurate records.
Penalties for Littering & Improper Waste Disposal
If you are found to be in violation of the RCRA, you may face financial and criminal penalties. Some potential consequences are:
- Fines assessed daily until corrective action is taken
- Financial liability as determined by the RCRA, EPA, or local government agencies
- Cost of proper environmental cleanup and remediation
- Damage to your reputation
- Criminal charges
- Imprisonment
Contact Excel Industrial Group in Houston, TX
Excel Industrial Group can mitigate your risk of financial and legal liability for improper hazardous waste disposal. We specialize in environmental cleanup, product recovery solutions, waste analysis, chemical trading, and industrial waste transportation and disposal. We can assist with everything from industrial tank cleaning and removal to toxic waste disposal and liquid waste transportation. We also offer emergency spill response services in the event of an incident. Call us now or reach out to us online to request an estimate for hazardous waste management services in Houston, TX.
-
Can Older Solar Panels Be Hazardous Waste?
Understanding Proper Solar Panel Disposal in Houston, TX
Investing in solar panels for your business generates clean energy that lowers your reliance on the power grid and reduces your carbon footprint to ensure you don’t contribute to global warming. Yet installing the panels isn’t enough. To fully commit to a sustainable or eco-friendly company, it’s important to know what to do with your panels after they are removed.
Although most solar panels can last between 25 and 35 years with proper care and maintenance, they will eventually need to be replaced. When this happens, you might find yourself wondering how to dispose of old solar panels and whether they can be recycled. The disposal of solar panels is carefully regulated, as some solar panels are considered hazardous or toxic waste. Some contain heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and chromium, which can be bad for the environment as well as human and animal health. The EPA has outlined specific regulations regarding end-of-life solar panel disposal in Houston, TX. Keep reading to learn more.
What Are Solar Panels Made Of?
Solar panels are manufactured from a variety of materials. The most commonly used are silicon, glass, aluminum, and plastic polymers. Some panels also use copper or silver wiring and connectors to conduct electricity.
How to Dispose of Solar Panels Properly
Before disposing of old or outdated solar panels, it’s important to research regulations in your state. You must adhere to federal regulations outlined by the EPA as well as local or state guidelines. Your solar installation company can provide resources, or you can turn to a local e-waste or hazardous waste management company for advice. The most responsible methods of solar panel disposal are:
- Manufacturer Take-Back Programs – Contact the solar panel manufacturer to find out if it participates in a solar panel recycling program. Some companies will send you a box to use to return the labels to the manufacturer for proper disposal or recycling.
- E-Waste or Hazardous Waste Disposal Company – If you don’t know who manufactured your solar panels or if the company is no longer in business, you can turn to a local hazardous or toxic waste management company. These companies strictly adhere to local and federal regulations regarding the proper and safe disposal of hazardous materials.
- Donating or Reselling – If your panels still work, you should consider donating them to an organization that will refurbish them and send them to low-income communities. You can also try to resell them online or to a neighbor.
Why You Should Recycle Solar Panels
If you don’t properly recycle your solar panels, they will end up in a landfill. This increases the risk of toxic or hazardous materials leaching into the ground or water. Here’s a look at some of the benefits of choosing recycling as your method of disposal:
- Allow valuable materials like silicon and silver to be reclaimed and reused
- Avoid environmental contamination from toxic materials
- Comply with local and federal regulations and guidelines
- Support a circular economy and minimize landfill waste
- Reduce the need for new mining and manufacturing
- Prevent pollution and lower carbon emissions
- Make solar energy more sustainable and cost-effective for new customers
- Improve supply chain stability
What Happens to Old Solar Panels?
Old solar panels that can’t be recycled will be disposed of according to hazardous and toxic waste disposal regulations. However, most of the parts of old solar panels can be reused or recycled:
- Glass can be used to manufacture new panels or to make new building materials.
- Aluminum frames can be recycled over and over again to make new objects.
- Silicon can be recovered for reuse.
- Copper and silver can be recovered for use in other industries.
- Many other components can be repurposed or recycled into other materials.
Current Federal Regulations for Solar Panel Disposal
Solar panel disposal is governed by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and overseen by the EPA. The current regulations established by the RCRA include:
- Solar panels are considered solid waste or hazardous waste.
- Before disposal, panels must undergo a Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) test for classification.
- Panels that have high levels of toxic materials like lead, cadmium, and chromium must be classified as hazardous waste.
- Hazardous materials must be managed according to EPA guidelines for transportation, storage, and disposal.
- Some hazardous panels can be recycled instead of being sent to a landfill.
Environmental Risks of Improper Disposal of Solar Panels
Improper disposal of solar panels can put you at risk of fines, fees, and legal problems due to noncompliance with regulations. It can also pose significant environmental and health risks:
- Contamination of the soil and groundwater
- Damage to food and water sources for animals and humans
- Illness or death of wildlife and people
- Further damage to the ecosystem during the mining of new solar panel materials
Contact Excel Industrial Group in Houston, TX
Before you throw your old solar panels in the trash, consider a more eco-friendly alternative, like recycling or product recovery management. Excel Industrial Group offers full-service toxic and hazardous waste disposal in Houston, TX. Our experts can provide solar panel recovery, recycling, and disposal services in compliance with all local and federal regulations. The methods we use are carefully designed to protect the environment and keep humans and wildlife safe. Call us now or reach out online to learn more about solar panels and other toxic waste disposal services.
-
Understanding the Different Types of Waste Streams
Different Types of Waste Streams
It’s important to effectively manage waste in order to maintain a clean, safe environment and promote sustainable practices. A significant aspect of this management is understanding waste streams—distinct types of waste that originate from various sources and require specific handling methods. Whether you’re a business, municipality, or industrial facility, comprehending the characteristics and types of waste streams is essential to making informed decisions about disposal, recycling, and overall waste management.
What is a Waste Stream?
A waste stream refers to the complete flow of waste from its source through to its disposal. It encompasses all the steps, from the generation of waste, collection, and transportation, to its eventual processing and disposal. Each waste stream contains materials that require different management methods to ensure they are handled safely, efficiently, and in compliance with environmental regulations.
Characteristics of Waste Streams
Waste streams can vary significantly depending on their origin and the materials they contain. Key characteristics include:
- Composition: Waste streams consist of various materials, such as organic matter, plastics, metals, or chemicals, each requiring different treatment methods.
- Source: The origin of waste, whether it be industrial, municipal, or agricultural, defines the waste stream’s characteristics and disposal needs.
- Volume: The quantity of waste generated plays a role in determining the appropriate management strategy, with larger volumes often requiring more complex handling processes.
- Hazard Level: Some waste streams contain hazardous materials, necessitating specialized disposal to protect human health and the environment.
Types of Waste Streams
Waste streams can be broadly classified into several categories, each with unique management requirements:
- Municipal Solid Waste Stream (MSW): This includes everyday items discarded by households and businesses, such as food waste, packaging, and paper products. Proper sorting and recycling are crucial for managing this waste stream effectively.
- Industrial and Commercial Waste Streams: Generated by manufacturing and production activities, these waste streams can include a wide range of materials, from scrap metals to chemical byproducts. Managing industrial waste streams often involves more stringent regulations due to the potential environmental impact.
- Hazardous Waste Streams: Containing materials that pose significant risks to health and the environment, hazardous waste streams must be managed with extreme care. This category includes items like toxic chemicals, batteries, and medical waste.
- Liquid Waste Streams: Comprising wastewater and other liquid residues, these waste streams often require treatment before disposal to prevent contamination of water bodies. Industries and municipalities must manage liquid waste streams effectively to protect water quality.
- Non-Hazardous Waste Streams: These include materials that are not an immediate threat to health or the environment, such as certain types of industrial waste, construction debris, and agricultural waste. While less dangerous, proper management is still vital to minimize environmental impact.
- Construction and Demolition (C&D) Waste Streams: Construction and demolition activities generate significant waste streams composed of materials like concrete, wood, metals, bricks, and glass. These waste streams can also include hazardous components such as asbestos, lead-based paints, or treated wood. Managing C&D waste streams involves sorting and recycling materials to minimize landfill use, reduce environmental impact, and comply with regulations. Proper management of these streams is essential for promoting sustainability in the construction industry while reducing costs associated with waste disposal.
The Importance of Understanding Different Types of Waste Streams
Recognizing and categorizing different types of waste streams is essential for several reasons:
- Environmental Protection: Proper waste stream management helps reduce pollution, conserve resources, and protect ecosystems. For example, separating recyclable materials from solid waste streams ensures they are reused, reducing the strain on natural resources.
- Regulatory Compliance: It’s important to adhere to local, state, and federal regulations regarding waste management to avoid penalties and ensure safe disposal practices. This is especially important for managing hazardous waste streams, which are subject to strict regulations.
- Cost Efficiency: Effective waste management can reduce disposal costs, enhance resource recovery, and even generate revenue through recycling programs. Understanding the types of waste streams your business produces allows you to implement more efficient and cost-effective management practices.
Difference Between Non-Hazardous & Hazardous Waste Streams
The primary difference between non-hazardous and hazardous waste streams lies in their potential risk to health and the environment. Hazardous waste streams contain toxic, reactive, corrosive, or flammable materials that require specialized handling and disposal. In contrast, non-hazardous waste streams, while still needing proper management, do not pose the same level of risk. Managing hazardous waste streams is more complex and costly, but it is essential for ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.
Why Choose Excel Industrial Group in Houston, TX?
Excel Industrial Group is a leader in waste management services with over 25 years of experience, specializing in both hazardous and non-hazardous waste streams. We understand the complexities involved in managing different types of waste and offer tailored solutions that prioritize safety, compliance, and cost-efficiency. Our expertise extends across all waste types, ensuring your business remains compliant with regulations while minimizing environmental impact. Located in Houston, TX, we provide local businesses with the support they need to manage waste effectively and responsibly.
Contact Us for All Your Waste Solutions in Houston, TX
If you’re looking for reliable and efficient waste management services, Excel Industrial Group is here to help. Our team is ready to provide you with the expert guidance and service you require. Ready to take control of your waste management? Fill out our contact form or call us today to speak with our professional team about your waste solutions in Houston, TX, and learn how we can assist in managing your waste.
-
What Type of Waste is Your Business Producing?
Many businesses across several industries produce hazardous waste as a natural part of their business operations. While there typically isn’t a lot that can be done to reduce the amount of hazardous waste produced, there are ways it should be handled, disposed of, or recycled.
Even businesses like dry cleaners and printers produce hazardous waste. The good news is that you don’t have to worry about taking care of the waste yourself. The experienced professionals at Excel Industrial Group will handle your hazardous waste effectively so you can focus on your business.
Types of Hazardous Waste by Industry
- Construction – Coatings, petroleum distillates, gasoline
- Equipment Repair – Acids and bases, ignitable wastes, toxic wastes, solvents, paint washes
- Laboratories – Unused regeants, spent solvents, testing samples, reaction products, contaminated materials
- Photo Processing – Silver, photographic activators, acid regenerates, system cleaners
Give Excel Industrial Group a call today at 291-213-3822, for a disposal estimate. We will come up with a solution to manage your waste and leave you to the important aspects of your business that make you money.
-
Common Wastewater Treatment Methods
Water is not only an essential element to the human body and our planet, but it is also a crucial part of many businesses. Water is used for many industrial purposes including:
- Manufacturing goods
- Cooling
- Heating
- Carrying raw materials or waste matter
- And much more
Once the water has been used it is then classified as wastewater and needs to be properly handled and disposed. Wastewater can be a pollutant when entering other bodies of water and when contaminating soil. Industrial process wastewater must be treated before it is discharged, or properly transported and and handled for disposal. There are a variety of ways this can be done depending on the processes of your business.
Physical Unit Operations – This treatment type uses the application of physical forces and can include:
- Screening
- Flocculation
- Mixing
- Flotation
- Sedimentation
- Filtration
- Gas Transfer
Chemical Unit Processes – Contaminants are removed or converted through the addition of chemicals. Common examples include:
- Precipitation
- Disinfection
- Adsorption
Biological Unit Processes – Contaminants are removed through biological activity. Biodegradable organic substances and nutrients are removed from the wastewater and converted into gases.
The needs of each business are different and there is no one-size-fits-all wastewater treatment solution. Excel Industrial Group can take care of all your waste disposal needs in the Greater Houston area. Need to talk to a professional about your waste? Call us today at 281-213-3822.
-
A Pollution Case Study: Love Canal
Industrial pollution affects many of the waterways throughout the United States. In this video, you will learn about the environmental cleanup project implemented in the Love Canal and the surrounding area to remove pollution. By administering safe industrial waste disposal processes for surrounding factories, workers were able to eliminate pollution from the canal.
If your industrial facility is in need of waste analysis services, be sure to contact Excel Industrial Group LLC. Our company offers quality industrial waste removal in Cypress, and we will make sure that your facility meets environmental regulations. Call us at (281) 213-3822 to receive a waste management quote from our experienced team .
-
What is In Situ Burning?
An oil or chemical spill is a serious emergency that requires prompt and effective environmental cleanup services. In order to contain oil that has spilled into a large body of water, a waste management team may rely on the process of in situ burning. The term “in situ burning” describes the technique of burning an oil slick before it has a chance to drift to the nearest shoreline. A cleanup crew will contain the oil using fireproof materials. Once the oil has been contained, it will be ignited and burned off. After the oil has completely burned, it will no longer pose an environmental threat.
At Excel Industrial Group LLC , we are able to respond quickly to your environmental cleanup emergency. When you are in need of industrial waste removal in Cypress, you can trust our team to meet all of your waste disposal requirements. To learn more about how we can help you create a waste management plan for your company, call us at (281) 213-3822.
-
Could Your Waste Be a Revenue Source?
When you set up waste management services for your business, you may want to consider whether your waste could provide a potential source of additional income. With careful chemical waste management, you may be able to sell your extra chemicals to other companies across the United States. By selling your excess chemicals, rather than disposing of them as a waste product, you can earn valuable income for your business. A waste management professional can help you figure out the logistics and benefits of selling your chemical waste to other companies.
If you are interested in learning more about chemical trading near Cypress, contact Excel Industrial Group, LLC by calling (281) 213-3822. Using our chemical trading services, you can turn your wasted chemicals into a profitable source of extra revenue for your business. To receive a waste management quote for your industrial operations, be sure to visit our website www.eigus.com so that we can get started on your chemical trading initiative.
-
A Look at the Importance of Professional Industrial Waste Management
You should be concerned with waste management in commercial areas. When it comes to industrial waste disposal, you will need the professionals to help you out. The pros can help you keep your workplace and the environment safe, and they will ensure that the job is done right. Here’s a closer look at the importance of professional industrial waste management.
Maintaining a Safe Workplace
No matter what kind of waste you generate, a responsible waste management plan is a must. Waste builds up over time, and eventually, it can get in the way of your workspace. This can cause injuries as well as slow down productivity. A buildup of waste becomes even more dangerous if you deal with hazardous materials in the workplace. Industrial waste disposal professionals are trained to deal with all kinds of waste, so leave the job up to them.
Protecting the Environment
The same kinds of industrial waste that are dangerous to people are typically dangerous for the environment as well. If you don’t know how to handle industrial waste disposal in a responsible way, you could end up increasing your carbon footprint rather than decreasing it. By working with the environmental cleanup professionals, you can ensure that your waste makes it to a safe destination where it won’t harm the environment or the community.
Getting the Job Done
Not everyone understands waste management. Many times it is best to focus on your core business and leave industrial waste disposal up to someone else. Your waste management team can handle all kinds of disposal services, and they can even perform waste analysis. If you want to make sure the job gets done the right way, set up a plan with the industrial waste disposal professionals.
Are you ready to start working with the professionals in industrial waste disposal serving Cypress, TX? Contact Excel Industrial Group or visit our website. It’s our job to take care of all of your waste disposal needs. Call our environmental cleanup professionals at (281) 213-3822 to learn more about us today.
-
How We Can Help Your Business with Waste Analysis
There isn’t much room for error when it comes to industrial waste disposal. At Excel Industrial Group, we offer the waste analysis services your business needs. We also have the experience it takes to give you the service you deserve. Continue on to find out how we can help your business with waste analysis.
If you want your business to be truly efficient, you should have a plan regarding waste analysis and management. The team at Excel Industrial Group is ready to help you with a wide range of waste analysis services. We can help you identify unknown substances and dispose of them safely, efficiently and take care of the paperwork as well. We can even help you characterize your waste, package your waste, and make sure you comply with all EPA regulations. If you need any help with waste analysis, talk to Excel.
When you need help with waste analysis near Cypress, TX, be sure to call Excel Industrial Group at (281) 213-3822. From chemical trading services to site assessments and EPA registration support, we are happy to help. Check out our website or stop by and see us for more information.