TYPICAL HAZARDOUS WASTES

Cleaners and degreasers may be hazardous if they are: 

• Solvents that contain hazardous ingredients

• Strong acids or alkalies (caustics)

• Contaminated with heavy metals

Solvents, Caustics, Acetone, Acetic acid, Benzene, Ammonium hydroxide, n-Butylalcohol, Hydrochloric acid, obenzene, Hydrofluoric acid, Cresols, Nitric acid, Cresylic acid, Phosphoric acid, o-Dichlorobenzene, Potassium hydroxide, Ethanol, Sodium hydroxide, 2-Ethoxyethanol, Sulfuric acid, Ethyl acetate, Ethyl benzene, Ethyl ether, Isobutanol, Isopropanol, Heavy Metals, Methanol (wood alcohol), Methyl ethyl ketone, Arsenic, Methylene chloride, Barium, Mineral sprits, Cadmium, Naphtha, Chromium, Nitrobenzene, Lead, 2-Nitropropane, Perchloroethylene, Petroleum distillates, Tetrachloroethylene, Toluene, 1,1,1-Trichloroethane, 1,1,2-Trichloroethane, Trichloroethylene, Trichlorotrifluorethane and Xylene.

For more information on hazardous wastes, contact DEP.

HOW SHOULD I MANAGE HAZARDOUS WASTES?

First, determine how much hazardous waste you generate each Month.  The rules you must follow depend on how much you generate, how much you store, and how long you store it. 

• Less than 220 pounds (100 kilograms or about half a drum): you are a ?Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator.?

• 220 ? 2,200 pounds (100 ? 1,000 kilograms or about half a drum to 5 drums): you are a ?Small Quantity Generator.?

• More than 2,200 pounds (1,000 kilograms or more than about 5 drums): you are a ?Large Quantity Generator.?

The following practices may be required for your business.

Additional information is available from DEP. 

Containers

• Maintain containers in good condition.  Prevent leaks, ruptures and accumulation of rainwater on tops of drums.

• If a container leaks, transfer waste to a new container.

• Keep containers closed and use self-closing funnels when adding waste.

• Wastes must be compatible with the container. For example, use HDPE plastic containers for corrosive wastes.

• Never place incompatible wastes, such as wastes that react with each other (acids and bases), in the same container.

Storage

• Maintain adequate aisle space between container rows to allow inspection for leaks and damage.

• Store ignitable and reactive wastes at least 50 feet from property boundaries.

• Store containers of incompatible wastes in separate areas.

• Be aware of allowable time limits for storage.

Labels

• Label every container with the type of waste and whether it is hazardous or non-hazardous.

• Include federal waste code numbers.

• Include the accumulation start date (the date when waste was first placed in the drum).

• Include your business?s name and address.

• Use the following words on labels for hazardous wastes:

HAZARDOUS WASTE

FEDERAL LAW PROHIBITS IMPROPER DISPOSAL

If found, please contact the nearest police or public  safety authority or the U.S. EPA                              

Transport and Disposal

• Make sure your transporter and disposal facility have EPA identification numbers.

• Use manifests for all hazardous wastes shipped offsite.

Inspections and Record keeping

• Inspect containers at least once a week and keep a written log of container inspections.

• Keep training and inspection records for 3 years.

• Keep manifests and shipping receipts for 3 years.

• Keep records of lab tests for 3 years.

• Keep land disposal restriction forms for 5 years.

Training

• Train all employees to identify, reduce and properly handle wastes.

• Train new employees before they handle hazardous wastes.

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