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Florida companies that generate hazardous waste know how difficult it can be to remain compliant with the many regulations covering this type of waste. There are many permits and insurance requirements for the different types of hazardous waste that companies or organizations may generate. All this can add up to significant stress and confusion surrounding hazardous waste regulations in Florida. That’s why we’re here to breakdown some of the requirements and provide an introduction to actions that should be taken. This is a high stakes area of business that deals with complex regulations, forms, and requirements. To be fully protected and cover all of the necessary compliance steps, it’s essential to work with a reputable hazardous waste management company, who can be your safety net, protecting you from errors and overlooked details.
01 / Insurance and Permits
It is vital for your company or organization to obtain the required insurance, and a Florida permit for the hazardous waste your company generates. You may need federal, state, and local permits, as well as permits required for other states to which you may transport waste. Here are some of the permits and insurance your business may require:
02 / Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) gives the Environmental Protection Agency the right to control hazardous waste from the time it is generated to its disposal. The EPA has regulations intended to ensure that this waste is safely managed. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) allows states to manage their own hazardous waste programs if they meet certain minimum requirements. Florida has been granted authorization to oversee its own waste management program. However, the EPA retains the authority to:
Perform inspections and mandate monitoring, testing, analysis, and reporting.
Enforce Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulations, including those within Florida's authorized program, and may suspend or revoke permits.
Take enforcement actions independently, even if the state has already taken steps to address an issue.
03 / Florida Notification of Regulated Waste Activities Form 8700-12FL
Your business must use Form 8700-12 FL to notify the Florida Department of Environmental Protection about your business's regulated waste activities or to notify them of changes to a previously filed form. It is essential to use the latest version of the form, which has an effective revision date of January 18, 2023, and the current NAICS codes. It will also be necessary to obtain an EPA identification number before starting any hazardous waste activities unless your business is a very small quantity generator. You will also need to obtain a Florida permit for the specific types of waste your business deals with, including any required for non-hazardous waste.
Florida has very specific definitions of what types of businesses are included in the definition as a “waste generator.” If a business meets any of the following criteria, it must complete the Florida Notification of Regulated Waste Activities Form 8700-12 FL:
Any facility that generates, transports, treats, stores or is a disposal facility of hazardous waste.
Facilities that manage over 100 kilograms (220 pounds) in any given month of hazardous waste that is regulated under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
Facilities with 1 kg of acute RCRA hazardous waste
Locations that at any one time have 5,000 kg (11,000 lbs.) or more of combined universal waste
04 / Insurance
If your business handles hazardous waste in Florida, including transporting it between sites, delivering it to another hazardous waste transporter or designated TSD facility, and temporarily storing it for less than 24 hours, you'll need to obtain the necessary permits and any required insurance. To verify appropriate insurance coverage, you must submit one or more relevant insurance forms:
Certificate of Liability Insurance for hazardous waste and Used Oil Transporters
Transporter Liability Endorsement Form
Transporter Liability Surety Bond
05 / Choosing the Best Hazardous Waste Management Company
The regulations for facilities that generate Florida hazardous waste are complex, and many companies safeguard their business’s wellbeing by choosing to work with a hazardous waste management company. It’s important for any facility that generates hazardous waste to remember that no matter who they partner with, they are ultimately responsible for any hazardous waste they generate from cradle to grave. This responsibility extends from the time the waste is generated until it is adequately disposed of (its final resting place). This is why it’s essential to to choose the right waste management company.
Picking an unreliable waste management company can place your business at immense risk and your business will be held responsible for any mistakes this company makes when your hazardous waste is in their possession. Knowing that the stakes are so high, you’re probably wondering how to best choose the right waste management company. We have some advice. Here are five steps to take when choosing a reliable, trustworthy waste management company:
Just like your facility, a waste management company is required to have the required permits for any hazardous waste they are handling. In addition to permits, it is essential that they have all required insurance, as well as adequate insurance to cover any accident that may occur while they are handling or transporting the hazardous waste. A million-dollar policy is the minimum, but a company with more insurance is preferable to ensure your company is not left to pay for any financial obligations that the waste management company cannot cover.
It’s also important to make sure that the hazardous waste management company you choose properly trains its employees. Their drivers must have completed the necessary Department of Transportation training. Additionally, any workers who will be completing the paperwork for the hazardous waste, including the hazardous waste manifest, must have sufficient training to complete it correctly. This is important because, as stated above, your company is responsible for the hazardous waste it generates from cradle to grave, so any non-compliance or accidents are your responsibility.
Be sure to choose a company that prioritizes customer service. The ideal waste management company will be there to guide you through the complex regulations mentioned above. They’ll help you navigate the entire regulatory environment, from federal down to local levels. There’s an old saying that “you don’t know what you don’t know,” and that’s where a well-informed waste management company like MCF Environmental becomes an invaluable partner in highlighting gaps in compliance that are easy for most companies to overlook.
For your company’s wellbeing and the protection of staff, the public, and the environment, choose a company that’s knowledgeable about both federal hazardous waste management and Florida waste management regulations because inadequate knowledge could lead to accidents or non-compliance.
You should look at online reviews to see what past customers have to say about any company you’re considering. You should also look to see if the company has any past violations. Additionally, always be sure to ask for references and talk to other businesses in the industry to see if they have any experience with any waste management company you’re considering.
Once you find a few companies that meet your requirements, ask for quotes. However, remember to be suspicious of quotes that seem unusually low. You want good value, but the lowest price is not usually the best value if the company fails to provide good service. A small savings today could lead to significant financial loss in the future.
06 / Don’t Leave Florida Waste Regulations Up to Chance
For any Florida business that’s a hazardous waste generator, the best way to get optimal service from your hazardous waste management company is to choose a full-service company. This comprehensive level of care means your waste service provider will handle all of your waste-related needs, including waste profiling, compliance, transport, scheduling, and service, as well as completing any necessary shipping documents.
Finding one company for all of your waste needs is often the most cost-effective. That’s because when you work with only one company, you’ll save money and also time because you won't need to find and arrange to work with several companies to meet all of your waste management needs. Learn more about choosing the right waste management company to service your Florida company. Contact a representative of MCF Environmental Services today!
Robert Losurdo
President, COO
