If you’ve felt like you’re navigating a minefield when it comes to hazardous waste disposal, you’re not alone.
With regulations tightening and environmental concerns escalating, finding the perfect disposal partner can feel like finding a needle in a haystack … if that haystack were also potentially hazardous.
Your company's reputation depends on the disposal of hazardous waste, which is why finding the right partner to handle this comprehensive process is key. Here are four tips for choosing a hazardous waste disposal company that is not only legally allowed to transfer your waste but will have your company’s best interest in mind throughout the entire process:
It may be easy to assume that if a company is transporting hazardous waste, it is registered and licensed. However, it’s important to do your due diligence and ensure that the company you are hiring is in fact legally allowed to transport hazardous waste streams in California.
Hazardous waste is regulated heavily not only in California, but across the United States. The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) maintains an updated Registered Hazardous Waste Transporter Database. This tool is valuable because a hazardous waste transporter registration is valid for only one year.
Even after you confirm that a partner you are considering is on this list, it’s a good idea to routinely conduct annual audits of vendors handling your hazardous waste to ensure their registration hasn’t lapsed.
To search this database, simply look for a company by name, location or registration number. If you haven’t narrowed down your options for a proper disposal partner yet, you can also search by city, county or zip code to see which businesses are near you.
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Information (RCRAInfo) also maintains hazardous waste information, including a list of hazardous waste handlers. RCRAInfo Web lists transporters, disposers, generators, treaters and storers, so you’ll have to look specifically for the service you are seeking.
Once you select a disposal company, the site will show additional information like permits, compliance and cleanup activities.
When selecting a partner for hazardous waste disposal, expertise and experience are among the top criteria. Assessing a company's track record and familiarity with a diverse range of hazardous waste materials is essential, especially if the type of hazardous waste your company generates requires a high level of expertise.
Look for evidence of successful projects and testimonials that showcase their ability to navigate the complexities of hazardous waste disposal. A seasoned company also will demonstrate proficiency in handling various types of hazardous materials, from industrial chemicals to biomedical waste and hazardous solid waste. Their experience should extend across different industries, illustrating a deep understanding of the unique requirements associated with each type of waste.
When talking with a company representative, inquire about the staff's qualifications and training programs. A reputable partner invests in ongoing education and certification for their team members. This ensures they are well-equipped to manage hazardous materials to not only environmental protection but also human health protection.
When entrusting your company’s reputation into the hands of a hazardous waste transporter, ensuring their commitment to safety is important. Look for a partner that takes safety seriously and implements rigorous protocols to reduce risks associated with transporting hazardous materials.
For example, the disposal company should make proper labeling, packaging and handling of hazardous materials a priority. This minimizes the likelihood of accidents or spills during transit, yet emergency responders can quickly identify any hazardous materials if an accident does occur.
Vehicles used for transportation also should be well-maintained and equipped with safety features to prevent incidents on the road. Ask how often transporter vehicles receive regular maintenance.
Look for evidence of comprehensive emergency response plans as part of a company’s hazardous waste management, including clear communication protocols, designated emergency contacts and trained response teams. The company should be equipped with appropriate safety gear, spill containment materials and specialized equipment to address a wide range of emergency scenarios.
If an accident occurs at your facility and you need site cleanup and remediation, it’s also a good idea to ask about the disposal company's experience handling emergency situations and its track record of timely and effective responses.
When searching for the right hazardous waste partner, knowing what to look for in the WRONG partner is critical. And that comes in the form of a broker.
What is a hazardous waste broker? A broker acts as a middleman between you and the waste transportation company that takes your hazardous waste to a disposal site. It’s important to clarify that a hazardous waste broker is not the same as a hazardous waste transporter.
Brokers will offer to connect you with a disposal company that will accept the type of waste you generate. You pay more in the long run for this service because the broker will request a quote from a transporter, and then markup that price before presenting it to you, with the broker pocketing the difference.
While a broker service is a business, and hazardous waste companies may get new clients through a broker, in the end, this service does not benefit you as a consumer. That’s because you may know nothing about the company handling your waste since you’re working through the broker and taking the broker’s word that the transport company is legit.
As we pointed out above, it’s critically important to do your due diligence as a business generating hazardous waste and know who is transporting that waste due to cradle-to-grave requirements. Cradle to grave means you are responsible for the waste you generate from the moment it is generated to the moment it is properly disposed of. The last thing you should do is turn your waste over to a transport company you know nothing about. Even if that company is licensed, if it has a poor track record in safety and customer service, you could be left holding the bag when things go awry.
When you purchase an electronic, automobile or other good online, you may often read reviews to ensure you’re getting a quality product.
It’s important to do the same when considering the disposal of hazardous waste.
One of the most reliable indicators of their competence and reliability is the feedback from previous clients. References and reviews provide valuable insights into the company's performance, professionalism and customer satisfaction.
Start by requesting references from the hazardous waste disposal company and reach out to past clients to inquire about their experiences. Ask specific questions about the company’s communication, adherence to timelines, compliance with regulations and overall satisfaction with the services provided.
Hearing firsthand accounts from other businesses or organizations can offer valuable perspectives and help you make an informed decision.
In addition to seeking references, take the time to research online reviews and testimonials about the disposal company. Platforms like review websites, social media and industry forums can provide a wealth of information. Pay attention to recurring themes or patterns in the reviews, both positive and negative, since they can offer valuable insights into the company’s strengths and potential areas for improvement.
Keep in mind that while a few negative reviews are inevitable for any business, looking at the overall sentiment can be eye opening. As a side note, take a look at the company's response to criticism. A reputable disposal company will address concerns and take proactive steps to rectify any issues raised by clients, demonstrating their commitment to customer satisfaction and continuous improvement.
By thoroughly evaluating feedback from past clients, you can gain valuable perspective and confidence in your decision to partner with a company for hazardous waste disposal.