Monday, September 2, 2013

How To Dispose Off Spec Chemicals

By Amanda Baird


You may be confused of where to dispose the off spec chemicals that you have. These come from your various businesses that are no longer used. Unused materials must be disposed but you cannot just throw it like a simple trash since you are dealing with chemicals. The best way is to find someone who can perhaps reuse it.

Often times, the manufacturer will take them back and reformulate or reclaim them. But, if someone else can legally reclaim or use them, then they are not a waste under any of the dangerous waste rules. However, if you will burn them as fuel and using them not normally then they are considered as wastes and subject to some dangerous waste requirements.

Same status will happen if these materials are used and place on the ground or anywhere which can result to some risks. An unused substance must be considered as misuse for it to be known as a hazard. But, if it can be used for certain processes then it is not. If no one can readily reclaim it then dispose them properly.

You are considered as a generator as you were able to generate those kinds of wastes. So, your responsibility is to identify a dangerous material from those that are not. Evaluate it using the knowledge that you have regarding the chemical as well as physical properties or have just a sample in order to test it.

You need to identify if the substance is one on the lists of the most dangerous materials or just a certain part of it. A chemical that is considered dangerous and if no one else is ready to claim them then you cannot just dispose them in any landfill. Same thing with the outdated or excess substances that can no longer be used.

You need to send them immediately to a number of permitted dangerous chemicals storage, treatment and disposal facility. If you can find some in your city or town then the better. Do not just throw them anywhere as that act can cause series of accidents. You must have a permit if the unused material will be burned down for the recovery of energy.

Many will take advantage of them as energy recovery. They will burn these chemicals down or used them to create a fuel that cannot really be a good idea to have. This is actually the reason why getting a permit is necessary. You are deeply responsible for all the substances that you are bringing with you.

Generators of off spec chemicals must also follow the rules that require proper management while on the site, use of proper chemical transporter, use of proper manifest and record keeping and other reporting requirements. If you can generate more than the expectation then you have to file a report. The report will include the information about the materials that you have generated.

A report is not just a simple report as it must contain all the details about the off spec chemicals you are carrying. Consider the previous years of generating these materials and not just the present times you are having them. For you to be more informed, you need to consult for some guidance regarding waste management.




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