/ IN THIS BLOG
If you’re part of a manufacturing business in the state of Georgia, you probably have several questions about the waste your company produces. Maybe you’re looking for the most reliable Georgia waste management company or researching waste management compliance in Georgia. Wherever you are in the process, it’s always a good idea to review your policies and make sure you’re following all of the necessary federal and Georgia waste laws compliance rules.
Because we work closely with many businesses in Atlanta and throughout Georgia, we understand your concerns. Here we’ve collected some of the most commonly asked concerns and questions so you can feel more confident about your procedures. See if your questions are answered here, and if not, our team is always ready to be a resource for Georgia waste management.
01 / What are the differences between manifests and bills of lading?
Does non-hazardous waste management have rules like hazardous waste?
Just because non-hazardous waste is not as dangerous as hazardous waste, doesn’t mean it’s free of compliance and rules that need to be followed. In fact, non-hazardous waste is strictly regulated and manufacturers in Georgia need to comply with both federal and state-specific rules for non-hazardous waste disposal. Misconceptions that non-hazardous waste is less important or less regulated can lead to significant compliance issues.
Does my business need to identify and classify waste?
Yes, it’s the responsibility of your manufacturing business to identify and classify all of the waste your business generates at its facility. This includes taking steps to properly identify, store and dispose of non-hazardous waste. There are certain non-hazardous items, like latex paint and non-recyclable used car oil, which still require special disposal methods even if they are not considered hazardous waste.
Whether you’re dealing with hazardous or non-hazardous waste, your business is required to maintain the correct paperwork and documentation, including proof of disposal, proper labeling, and relevant shipping manifests. These items are essential for demonstrating compliance if an audit occurs.
What types of waste in Georgia require a waste profile?
The first thing you need to know about waste profiles is that they are a requirement for both hazardous and non-hazardous waste generated by manufacturers in Georgia. These profiles, which need to be submitted prior to any shipment, are an essential part of the proper handling and treatment of waste.
Waste profiles help to explain to your Treatment, Storage, and Disposal (TSD) facility about the type of waste you are giving to them. This allows this facility to determine whether they are equipped to handle and treat your specific waste. The creation of these waste profiles are the responsibility of each Georgia manufacturer and must be signed by a qualified representative of the business to ensure that the shipment contents are accurately detailed in the profile.
Your TSD facility may require additional proof, such as a safety data sheet (SDS) or analytical work, to confirm they can accept the waste shipment. This documentation helps prevent discrepancies and provides insurance for the facility. You should always check with your provider to ensure you’re aware of all waste profile requirements in Georgia.
Another part of the waste profile importance discussion needs to be the hazardous waste manifest. A manifest accompanies shipments of hazardous materials and uses information from the waste profile. This means your waste profile needs to be extremely accurate so that the manifest is as well. Why does the manifest need to be so accurate? Because it will travel with the hazardous waste and if an accident occurs, the manifest will be used by first responders to understand how best to treat an incident such as a spill or fire.
What does Cradle to Grave liability mean for manufacturers in Georgia?
You may have heard the term “Cradle to Grave Liability” and wondered how it applied to your business. Cradle to Grave Liability simply means that your manufacturing business is responsible for the waste your facility creates, from the moment it is generated to its final disposal resting place (hence the term cradle to grave).
Many Georgia businesses assume that if they hire a third party disposal service, their responsibility for the waste ends when the waste leaves their manufacturing facility. However this is not the case, which makes it essential to partner with a reliable waste management service whether based in Atlanta or other areas of Georgia. Cradle to grave liability applies to both hazardous and non-hazardous waste, so knowing how and where your waste is being shipped is essential to avoid legal consequences. Under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) hazardous waste is under the authority of the EPA from cradle to grave, so it’s important to stay up-to-date on all requirements of this agency.
02 / The Cost of Hazardous and Non-Hazardous Waste Disposal
When it comes to waste management compliance in Georgia it’s important first to focus on finding a safe, reliable, and legal Georgia hazardous waste disposal partner. Although cost-effective hazardous waste disposal is appealing, you want to make sure you’re not trading safety and reliability for small cost savings which could result in big financial liabilities if something goes wrong.
Hazardous waste transportation fees are not federally mandated, so prices can vary significantly between private waste management companies. That’s why it’s important to obtain multiple quotes to avoid overpaying or working with an unreliable company.
Understandably, the cost of transporting hazardous waste is generally higher than non-hazardous waste (dry freight transport) due to the increased liability and safety concerns that it carries. In fact, non-hazardous waste transport can be up to half the cost of hazardous waste transport.
The higher costs associated with hazardous waste transport also stem from the extensive training and certification required for drivers who handle such materials, which is factored into the overall waste disposal fees. Your quote is usually based on a per container price rather than a lump sum cost. Additional costs worth factoring in may include a stop charge and a fuel surcharge.
Because costs can vary based on the specific waste services your business will need, it’s worth requesting a consultation to learn more about waste disposal costs and any other extra fees related to storage, transportation, and disposal.
03 / Recycling and Hazardous Waste
You may be looking for ways for your business to be more environmentally responsible and as such, looking into recycling options. If you’re considering recycling hazardous waste, there are a few complications to consider. First, recycling hazardous waste materials requires high-quality materials, which are free of grit or excess water. Due to stricter disposal guidelines than in the past, much of the waste generated in manufacturing is no longer suitable for recycling. This has led to many companies abandoning the process of hazardous waste recycling.
Next is the cost, which can make it impractical for most businesses to pursue this option. That’s because most hazardous waste recycling requires a highly specialized onsite process which can quickly run up the disposal bill. Finally, the process can extend the disposal process making it far lengthier and more complicated.
If you believe the hazardous waste your Georgia business generates might still be a candidate for recycling, it’s worth consulting with several local hazardous waste companies to see if recycling is an option for your hazardous waste.
04 / Choosing a Georgia Hazardous Waste Disposal Service
You don’t need to find multiple specialized waste disposal providers when you work with a full-service waste management company. This is especially helpful if your Georgia business generates hazardous and non-hazardous waste or other types of waste, such as chemical waste or e-waste. Part of your selection process should always include making certain that the company you’re considering offers the types of waste disposal you’ll need.
What to look for in a waste management company? Are there any types of waste companies to avoid?
For Georgia manufacturers, it can be beneficial to partner with a local Georgia waste disposal company. This will allow you to enjoy quicker response times and the ability to meet with the management team in person. Local companies are also more equipped to provide on-site inspections for hazardous waste, thus ensuring compliance with federal and Georgia-specific regulations. A proactive approach like this helps avoid potential fines and penalties related to noncompliance.
In terms of red flags to look out for, you want to avoid hazardous waste brokers because they act solely as a middlemen and take decision-making power out of your hands and may connect you with companies that you haven't personally vetted.
Overall, you want to select a waste management company which places a high value on customer service and flexibility. The best companies will accommodate your schedule, especially if your waste production varies throughout the year. This helps ensure that your business doesn’t slow down because of changes to your waste production and create a smooth and responsive waste disposal process.
Selecting a professional and reputable waste management company is critical, even for non-hazardous waste. Manufacturers should ensure the company has proper permits, trained employees, and a solid reputation to avoid complications or fines.
05 / Choosing an Atlanta Waste Management Service
There are many hazardous waste services in Atlanta, but if you’re looking for hazardous waste removal in Atlanta, it’s best to look at local reviews, ask for referrals and make sure the company you are considering is compliant with all local and national regulations. There are many Atlanta hazardous waste services, which is why it’s essential to research several Atlanta hazardous waste companies to make sure you are choosing the one which will provide you with the best, most reliable services.
MCF Environmental Services is based just outside of Atlanta, Georgia and are experts in providing both hazardous and non-hazardous waste disposal service for Georgia manufacturing businesses throughout the state. From lab pack services to chemical waste disposal, MCF Environmental offers the expertise and skill that you’d want in a full-service comprehensive waste disposal service. Let MCF Environmental develop a custom plan that’s designed to be compliant and cost-effective for your business's specific needs. Contact us to learn more.
Robert Losurdo
President, COO
