In the past few decades, the public has become more aware of the benefits that recycling can bring to society. Today, it is common to see recycling bins at businesses, schools, and hospitals. These are used to collect and recycle items like soda cans and bottles. Recycling industrial hazardous waste disposal has become more common in recent years as the “Green Movement”, a movement that has taken hold of society, has grown.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, recycling is the act of collecting materials which would be otherwise thrown out as garbage and converting them into new products. Many companies neglect recycling hazardous wastes in their programs for managing hazardous waste. Certain chemicals, substances, and byproducts classified as hazardous materials can be recycled. Companies can save significant amounts of money by recycling the substances, rather than removing them from their waste streams. They also meet regulatory requirements more easily. Consider these points.

Examples of Recycling

Many different waste streams can be recycled and turned into useful products. Solvent recycling facilities can purify or distill waste solvents and sell them for reuse. Fuel-blending plants accept waste fuels that are flammable, mix them according to specific specifications and sell it as fuels for incinerators or cement kilns. The used oil is cleaned and sold by facilities that recycle it. Batteries, fluorescent bulbs, precious metals, and electronic scrap are also recycled by other facilities.

TSDF’s

Permits for the operation of Treatment Storage and Disposal Facilities (TSDF) are issued as part of Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976. TSDFs are available in many sizes and shapes, and they’re heavily regulated. Their name implies that they have a wide range of uses, but one of their primary functions is recycling wastes. To be able to recycle hazardous wastes, waste streams need to first be approved at a TSDS. The TSDS facility tests samples to see if they can be recycled.

Materials Excluded

After a TSDF evaluates a substance, and declares it suitable for recycling these waste streams may be reclassified as “excluded material.” Then, they can be removed from the hazardous waste classifications or hazardous waste management standard. It is important to make this distinction, as these substances will no longer be included in waste measurement for waste generators. This can change the status of a company from being a big generator (more than 1000 kg hazardous waste each month) into a smaller generator (greater 100 kg to less than 1,00 kg). This change can result in significant savings, a decrease in EPA regulations and an increase in profits.

Specialized knowledge is essential. To gather more information, it is recommended that companies consult with an experienced and certified hazardous waste management firm. Companies have many options to assess their waste streams and identify recycling possibilities. The company will be able to assess if the waste streams qualify for this type reclassification.