/ IN THIS BLOG
Hazardous materials in the warehouse is one challenge distribution facilities often face. Whether it comes from packaging, damaged or expired products, maintenance, or even cleaning chemicals, addressing hazardous waste is simply a fact that every distribution facility will eventually have to face.
Regardless of the type of hazardous waste, it is important to be aware of what constitutes hazardous waste and how it should be stored and disposed of. This is critical because of the harm these substances can cause to the environment and human health, as well as the severe penalties that facilities may face for improper storage, handling, and disposal. With this said, here are some of the key points distribution facilities need to know about warehouse hazards related to waste.
01 / Regulatory Compliance
Distribution facilities may face many regulations when it comes to hazardous materials in the warehouse. The foremost among these is the 1976 Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). This law authorized the EPA to create guidance and regulations governing the handling, storage, treatment, and disposal of hazardous waste.
Under the RCRA, generators of hazardous waste are responsible for hazardous waste from “cradle to grave,” which means from the moment the hazardous substance is created to its final disposal or destruction. This is important because it means even when the waste leaves a distribution facility, it is still the company’s responsibility, not that of the waste disposer, which means it’s critically important to choose a reliable waste service provider to handle removal and disposal.
With authority given to it by the RCRA, the EPA has promulgated a significant number of regulations governing what qualifies as hazardous waste, how much hazardous waste may be stored on-site, how it may be stored, and how it can be disposed of. From a business standpoint, compliance with the RCRA is particularly crucial due to the severity of the fines that may result from a violation, which may be up to $87,855 per day if a violation continues.
In addition to the EPA, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) has introduced guidelines regarding hazardous materials. Warehouse managers should be aware of OSHA guidelines, which perhaps most notably require the distribution of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). MSDS are fact sheets that describe the chemical properties of chemicals and, when used in combination with appropriate labeling and training on how to handle warehouse hazards appropriately, can help protect workers from such warehouse hazards.
02 / Waste Segregation
Segregating and properly handling and storing the various types of hazardous waste is important. Each type of hazardous waste has its own risks, and it is essential for anyone handling or storing these wastes to be aware of the risks.
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act covers hazardous wastes based on their having one or more of the following characteristics.
Ignitable: These wastes are hazardous due to being ignitable. Common examples of this include everyday items such as hand sanitizer or oil-based paints. These wastes can easily catch fire or explode and should be stored in a closed container in a well-ventilated area that will allow any vapors to disperse. The storage area should be made of non-combustible, fire-resistant material. The hazardous materials should also be kept away from other hazardous materials, as well as anything that could cause them to ignite.
Corrosive (liquid): This type of waste is corrosive, meaning that it can corrode or damage objects and tissue. Corrosive materials are often used in laboratories or certain industrial processes. Due to their intrinsic dangers, they should be stored in cool, well-ventilated areas away from any incompatible materials. They need to be stored in appropriately labeled corrosion-resistant containers that are meant to be used for the specific material being stored. These containers should then be placed on a secondary containment pan that can catch any spills or leaks. Curbs or dikes may need to be placed around the storage area if a large amount of corrosive waste is being stored. The storage area should also be posted with warning signs. Anyone handling this waste should be fully trained in how to safely handle this type of waste.
Reactive: Reactive wastes are hazardous due to their potential to explode or undergo violent reactions when exposed to air, water, or ordinary handling. These wastes pose a risk of explosions or creating toxic gasses and thus require careful storage.
Similarly to ignitable wastes, they should be separated and protected from any possible sources of reaction, such as water. Furthermore, durable containers and clear labeling are a must, and the best management may be to store containers of reactive waste in a containment area that can safely retain spills.
Toxic: Toxic wastes are just what they sound like, toxic. These toxic wastes can present significant risks of harm to people or the environment, and as a result, they must be carefully sealed in such a way as to prevent leaching or contamination. Chemicals such as pesticides, chloroform, silver chromium, mercury, or heavy metals are common examples of this type of waste. Unlike ignitable, corrosive, or reactive wastes, these wastes may pose less risk of breaking through containment, but they can be just as hazardous to people or the environment. Due to this, it is crucial to prevent the potential for leaks or leaching from containers.
Special Considerations for Specific Types of Hazardous Materials in the Warehouse
Flammable Materials: Proper handling and disposal of flammable waste in distribution warehouses are critical to maintaining safety. Flammable materials should be stored in designated, fire-resistant containers and regularly disposed of by a certified waste management service following OSHA and local regulatory guidelines to prevent accidents, accidental combustion or fires, and environmental harm.
Electronic Waste: Handling and disposal of electronic waste in distribution warehouses require adherence to EPA guidelines. E-waste, such as batteries and devices containing hazardous materials like lead or mercury, should be separated from general waste, stored in designated containers, and recycled through certified e-waste recyclers to ensure proper disposal and prevent environmental contamination.
03 / Partnership with Disposal Vendor
Distribution facilities usually do not have the bandwidth to handle the disposal of hazardous waste internally. Instead, they need to turn to professional experts who can oversee the removal and final elimination of their hazardous waste. Since businesses may face cradle-to-grave responsibility for their waste, they need a partner they can rely on deeply to take the greatest amount of precautions and care when processing their waste.
MCF Environmental Services offers comprehensive hazardous waste disposal services that cover the unique needs of distribution facilities. For safety, compliance, and sustainability, distribution businesses rely on MCF to undertake the legally complex and sensitive work of hazardous waste disposal from warehouses. Turning to a trusted partner can make the tricky work of safely and legally disposing of hazardous waste immeasurably simpler.
MCF Environmental Services understand the Hazardous Waste Disposal Need of Distribution Businesses
Distribution facilities face significant challenges when handling hazardous materials, including an ever-changing set of warehouse hazards. Warehouse personnel and management may incur significant risks from improper storage or handling, which can create extremely dangerous warehouse hazards. This makes prioritizing safety key to the health and success of any distribution business.
In addition to this, hazardous materials in the warehouse can create regulatory liabilities that may result in significant financial losses from fines. Partnering with a trusted hazardous waste management provider like MCF can provide a distribution business with the peace-of-mind it needs to grow and thrive. If your warehouses require the help of an experienced waste disposal service, reach out to MCF for a customized consultation. Take the first step to ensuring the security of your investments and your staff with the help of MCF. See why businesses across the country rely on MCF for their waste needs.
Robert Losurdo
President, COO
