2018/12/03

Understanding RCRA Hazardous Waste

Whether you operate a dry cleaning company or you own an auto repair shop, hazardous waste likely plays a role in your daily operations. In the United States, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act outlines how hazardous waste must be handled, stored, and disposed of. Today we're going to take a look at this act, what it says, and what it means for you.

Photo of a group of rusting metal drums.

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

Introduced in 1976, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act was created to address an ever-growing waste problem. The RCRA provided a much needed amendment to the Solid Waste Disposal Act of 1965. The act is enforced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency at the federal government level, but many states have their own regulations that are just as strict or even more so. The goals of the act are to “protect human health and the natural environment from the potential hazards of waste disposal”, to conserve energy and associated resources, to make sure that hazardous waste is handled and managed in an “environmentally sound manner”, and to cut down on the overall amount of hazardous waste generated. There are three main categories for what the RCRA handles: Hazardous Waste, Non-Hazardous Waste, and Underground Storage Tanks. If you would like to take a look at some of the identification and listings of hazardous waste from the Code of Federal Regulations, you can click here. The document is quite thorough. Along with regulation, the RCRA also has a program for the rehabilitation and remediation of “superfunds”. A superfund is a word used to describe a highly contaminated site where hazardous waste was mishandled. However, the EPA is dedicated to addressing such places. One of the first and most famous was the Love Canal in Niagra, NY. This site was posing major risks to the environment and the people who lived near it. However, this disaster paved the way for important strides in federal hazardous waste regulation.

What Does This Mean for Your Business?

At the end of the day, RCRA hazardous waste isn't any different from other kinds of hazardous waste. It's simply the method for how it is regulated. However, it's very important for your facility, no matter what kind, to adhere to these regulations. When you dispose of your hazardous waste, your responsibility for its impact doesn't stop when it leaves your facility. Your company is responsible for the waste that you generate from “cradle to grave” and if it is not handled correctly, you will face serious consequences.

BWS, Inc. Is Here to Help with Hazardous Waste

If you have questions about your hazardous waste management, come to BWS, Inc. We have been in the business for a long time and have maintained a flawless level of compliance. Contact us today for more information.

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Paul R Miller, D.D.S. and Team

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ZytoGen Patient Services

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“I have fantastic very dependable experience using BWS. I have used them weekly for the last 17 years in my dental practice. There always on the day that they're supposed to be, there's never been an issue with any of the invoices.”

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“I've used BWS for several years now. Their service is great and their fees are very reasonable, making BWS a great value in hazardous waste removal.”

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We are a medical practice in a new location and needed hazardous waste removal services. We have been so pleased with the level of service and professionalism on both the admin and field work end of BWS services, and their pricing is fair and flexible. We would highly recommend them to any medical practice in need of these services.

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Every staff member that I have interacted with has been very friendly. They are quick to respond to emails and do a great job.

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Rebecca Crouse, Randolph Macon Academy

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Melissa C, Patriot Chiropractic

Excellent, professional service and very reasonable price on medical waste removal. Danielle was fantastic to work with - thanks Danielle!

Dr. Rosario Ignacio

Reliable and affordable

Dr. Thomas Lutz, Odenton Family Dentistry

I've used BWS for several years now. Their service is great and their fees are very reasonable, making BWS a great value in hazardous waste removal. Over the 20+ years that I have used them the scope of their services has increased as well as making documentation of their service easier to use!

Dr. Louis Sachs, DDS

I ran a dental charity for many years, organizing huge clinics to treat those in need. BWS donated their waste disposal services for every clinic for many years, and they continue to do so to this day. This is always a huge job, and they are always reliable, dedicated, and fun to work with. They know what it means to give back.

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Great service & professional reps

Brenda Shah

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