Businesses that generate dangerous waste must manage and dispose of this waste properly. Dangerous waste generators are responsible for this waste forever — even after it is disposed of.
Most businesses choose to hire a hazardous waste service provider. Choose a company that has:
- Enough financial assurance to cover any unforeseen issues.
- Clean compliance records that are void of violations.
Some businesses can also reduce overall disposal costs and fees by:
- Recycling their own waste.
- Treating their own waste on-site (also known as treatment by generator).
How can my business dispose of dangerous waste?
The options available for your business will depend on your generator category.
Disposal options by generator category
| Generator category |
Must hire a waste service provider? |
Can transport own dangerous waste? |
| Small quantity generator (SQG) |
No |
Yes |
| Medium quantity generator (MQG) |
Yes |
No |
| Large quantity generator (LQG) |
Yes |
No |
Small quantity generators
Small quantity generators (SQGs) can choose to hire a waste service provider or transport their dangerous waste to a disposal facility.
If an SQG chooses to transport their own dangerous waste, they must take it to an acceptable disposal facility, such as a:
Medium and large quantity generators
Medium or large quantity generators must hire a waste service provider to transport and dispose of their dangerous waste.
Hire a waste service provider
Most businesses choose to hire a waste service provider to help with most, if not all, aspects of transporting and disposing of their dangerous waste. There are a variety of providers available to choose from, but it is your responsibility to research a company’s:
- History.
- Compliance record.
- Financial assurance offered.
- Other applicable information.
Financial assurance
Many hazardous waste service providers and permitted dangerous waste facilities offer financial assurance. Financial assurance can cover some of or all costs required to pay for unforeseen issues that my arise.
Dangerous waste generators remain liable and responsible for any waste they generate, even if it is handled and disposed of by another company.
Recycle dangerous waste
You may be able to recycle waste at your facility, which could benefit you by:
- Reducing the amount of waste you generate.
- Lowering your disposal, handling, or liability costs.
- Reducing your regulatory requirements.
- Allowing you to qualify for recycling credits on your dangerous waste annual report.
Some wastes are especially cost-effective to recycle, such as:
Treatment by generator
Businesses that treat their dangerous waste on-site do so through a variety of different methods. This is called “treatment by generator.” The benefits of treating wastes on-site are that it can reduce overall costs and fees by making the dangerous waste you generate:
- Less hazardous.
- Easier or safer to transport.