Dangerous waste guidance

Dangerous waste basics

Knowing whether your business has dangerous waste, how much, and the rules you have to follow is a process. For most businesses, you will need to learn how to:

• Designate your waste.
• Count or weigh your waste.
• Determine your generator category (small, medium, large).
• Properly store and label waste.
• Dispose, recycle, or treat your waste.
• Submit a Dangerous Waste Annual Report.

Learn more by visiting our Dangerous Waste Basics page. 

Common dangerous waste

Businesses must properly handle all forms of dangerous waste on-site. Learn how to properly manage common types of dangerous waste that most businesses have (like, cleaners, batteries, solvent wipes, etc.) and those that may be unique to your type of business (like, dental offices, dry cleaners, etc.).

• Go to our Common Dangerous Waste page for more information.

Dispose, recycle, or treat dangerous waste

Businesses that generate dangerous waste are responsible for it cradle-to-grave. This means you are responsible for this waste as long as it exists, even after it leaves your site.

Most businesses hire a hazardous waste service provider to handle all aspects of proper disposal. This will depend on your business needs and type of waste generated.

• Learn how to properly Dispose, Recycle, or Treat dangerous waste.

Dangerous waste reporting and fees

Besides proper management of dangerous waste, your business will also need to report this waste. Depending on the amount you generate, and a variety of other factors, you may need to submit:

• Dangerous Waste Annual Report.
• Pollution prevention (P2) plan.

There are also fees you may be subject to:

• Hazardous waste generation fee: ALL facilities that generate dangerous waste pay this fee.
• Hazardous waste planning fee: Some facilities that submit a P2 plan, may be subject to this fee.

Learn more about Reports and fees.