Brash Industries News On Electronic Stormwater Reporting

 

Trash Is No Longer Common Waste

Effective immediately - Material once considered trash could have adverse impacts on the environment if handled as trash and disposed of in a landfill. These waste materials are called Universal Wastes and usually contain small amounts of harmful chemical compounds.

Because Universal Wastes are less hazardous than “Hazardous Waste”, but are still hazardous, and they are generated by a large number of people and businesses, the regulations are less restrictive than full Hazardous Wastes. Non-compliance contains provisions for fines and penalties.

 

What are typical universal wastes?

Anything containing mercury: a. Auto switches b. Thermometers c. Pressure/vacuum gauges d. Thermostats e. Fluorescent tubes Both long and CFL	Batteries: a. Nickle, Cadmium (N, CAD) b. Silver button c. Mercury d. Small, sealed lead acid e. Alkaline f. Carbon, Zinc
Electronic devices: a. Computer terminals b. Laptops c. DVD players	Non-empty aerosol cans

 

What are the requirements?

1. DO NOT dispose of in trash.
   
2. Universal wastes are to be stored/accumulated in separate containers.
   
3. Each container is to have a label affixed identifying the contents, shipper name and address, and start of accumulation time. (BI can provide.)
   
4. Onsite storage and accumulation time is up to 1 year.
   
5. Disposed of at Authorized Treater or Disposal Site.
   
6. Shipment off-site.
   a. Bill of lading or receipt of goods is sufficient.
   b. Hazardous waste manifest is not required.
   c. Keep shipment records for three (3) years.
   
7. Universal Wastes generated onsite can be disposed of at the nearest facility obtained from the three following websites:
   a. CIWMB database
   b. eRecycle.org
   c. Earth911.org

 

Penalties

Penalties can be $500-$10,000/day per occurrence with a maximum penalty of $25,000, and include up to one year imprisonment.

 

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