Small Quantity Business Generated, Hazardous Waste

As a business owner/operator, it is your responsibility to ensure that all wastes generated by your business are disposed of in a way that does not harm the environment.
You are considered a Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generators (CESQG) if your business generates less than 220 pounds (100 kilograms) of HW in ANY calendar month and less than 2.2 pounds (1 kilogram) of acute HW (such as some pesticides, toxins or arsenic and cyanide compounds) per month. Many wastes that are recycled are included in this quantity determination.

As a CESQG you are required to do the following:

  1. Perform HW determination

  2. Cannot accumulate > 1000 kg at any time.

  3. Ensure delivery of HW to a proper recycling facility or TSDF.

  4. Keep records documenting proper disposal

You are considered a Small Quantity Generators (SQG) if your business generates between 220-2,200 pounds (100 - 1000 kilograms) of HW in ANY calendar month. Many wastes that are recycled are included in this quantity determination.

As a SQG you are required to do the following:

  1. Perform HW determination

  2. Accumulates between 220-2,200 pounds (100 - 1000 kilograms)

  3. Obtain a DEP/EPA ID Number (phone 850/488-0300).

  4. Place waste in a labeled, leak-proof container.

    1. Container must be in good condition

    2. Leak free

    3. Keep Containers closed

    4. Provide adequate aisle space

    5. Containers must be inspected weekly

  5. Use manifest system.

  6. Never exceed the 6000 kg accumulation/180 day storage time limit.

  7. Ensure delivery of HW to a proper recycling facility or TSDF.

  8. Emergency Planning:

    1. Designate an Emergency Coordinator (EC) on 24-hour call.

    2. Post Emergency information next to the telephone

    3. Provide adequate training for personnel handling hazardous waste.

  9. Prepared and Prevention Plan

    1. Maintain Safe work place

    2. Accessible telephones

    3. Maintain fire extinguishers and spill equipment

    4. Maintain aisle space

    5. Notify police, fire department, and state emergency response teams of the types of wastes handles at your facility.

  10. Keep records

    1. Manifests

    2. Land Disposal Restriction Forms

    3. Manifest Exception reports

    4. Analytical and other records

    5. Training documents

    6. Inspection Logs

All generators of hazardous waste materials are required by law to identify and evaluate their waste. Keeping a file with all the Material Safety Data Sheets for the chemicals used by your business will help identify your waste and maintain compliance. All employees must have easy access to MSDS.

The Small Quantity Generator and Pollution Prevention Program is designed to help educate businesses on the proper handling, storage and disposal of hazardous waste. It’s purpose is to reduce the risk of exposure to your employees and the potential release of contaminants to the environment.

What is Hazardous Waste?
Hazardous waste is considered any waste material that is so flammable, corrosive, or toxic that it creates a possible threat to human health or the environment. The following are examples of regulated hazardous waste generated by businesses:

Flammables

  • Oil-based paints

  • Mineral spirits

  • Solvents

  • Fuels

  • Aerosols

Corrosives

  • Caustics (paint stripper, drain opener, quick lime)

  • Acids (battery acid, muriatic acid, chlorine, rust remover, drain cleaner)

Toxins

  • pesticides

  • wood preservatives

  • paint removers

  • dry cleaning fluids

  • photographic fixers

  • parts cleaners

  • fungicides

  • herbicides

Universal Wastes

  • Fluorescent bulbs

  • PCB containing ballasts

  • Mercury containing devices
    (thermostats, thermometers, float switches, rechargeable batteries)

Automotive

  • Used oil

  • Antifreeze

  • Brake fluid

  • Transmission fluid

  • Oil filters

Labels
Labels provide an immediate warning to your employees of the hazards to which they may be exposed.
All hazardous waste must be properly labeled, prominently displayed, easily read, and marked with the following information:

Keep Records !!!
A hazardous waste generator is responsible for maintaining accurate records of the storage, transport and disposal of their hazardous waste.

The State of Florida requires businesses to use the Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest when shipping hazardous waste for disposal. It is a multi-copy document that must accompany all hazardous waste shipments.

Material Safety Data Sheet
Some hazardous wastes are chemicals that require Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS); which must be obtained from the manufacturer at the time any hazardous chemical is purchased.
The purpose of the Material Safety Data Sheet is to familiarize the user of chemicals to any hazards associated with that chemical.

MSDS contain valuable information such as:

Labels

Labels provide an immediate warning to your employees of the hazards to which they may be exposed.

All hazardous waste must be properly labeled, prominently displayed, easily read, and marked with the following information:

Keep Records !!!

A hazardous waste generator is responsible for maintaining accurate records of the storage, transport and disposal of their hazardous waste.

The State of Florida requires businesses to use the Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest when shipping hazardous waste for disposal. It is a multi-copy document that must accompany all hazardous waste shipments.

Material Safety Data Sheet

Some hazardous wastes are chemicals that require Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS); which must be obtained from the manufacturer at the time any hazardous chemical is purchased.

The purpose of the Material Safety Data Sheet is to familiarize the user of chemicals to any hazards associated with that chemical.

MSDS contain valuable information such as: