Business » Hazardous Waste Best Practices

Buying Practices
  • Buy only what you need or will use in a year.
  • Buy less toxic products or use alternatives.
  • Read labels and understand how harmful the product can be to you and your employees.
  • Buy products that provide specific information about ingredients, safety and handling (e.g., a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS))
Determination Practices
  • Make a determination on all waste generated on site.
  • Treat unknown material as a hazardous waste during the determination process (label, close, date, etc.).
  • Retain necessary documentation for both hazardous and non-hazardous waste.
Storage Practices
  • Clearly label each container with the words "Hazardous Waste" and the date the waste was generated.
  • Use a container made of or lined with a material that is compatible with the hazardous waste to be stored. Waste containers should be in good condition.
  • Never mix wastes. Mixing wastes can create an unsafe work environment and lead to complex and expensive cleanups and disposal.
  • Store hazardous product and waste containers in secure areas and inspect them frequently for leaks.
  • Do not store waste containers where they have the potential to freeze or are exposed to high heat.
Disposal Practices
  • Bring or send waste only to a regulated Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facility or recycler.
  • Contact the Regional Collection Center to learn about disposal options.
Other Best Practices
  • Recycle and Reuse: Put useful components back into productive use rather than disposing of them. Oil, solvents, acids and metals are commonly recycled and used again.
  • Emergency Planning: If storing hazardous waste, businesses must have an internal communication or alarm system for immediate emergency instructions; a phone to call for emergency assistance; portable fire extinguishers; and water at adequate volume and pressure.
Safer, Alternative Products Safer, Alternative Products

Use plastic blast media for paint stripping of metal parts rather than conventional solvent stripping.

Use fewer solvents to do the same job or switch to a detergent solution.
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To assist you, please download the following forms:

Recycling & Garbage Guide