Environmental regulations in the construction industry continued to change this year, primarily driven by the global push for sustainability and environmental friendliness. Because construction accounts for 37% of global emissions, more effort is being put into adopting regulations to protect the environment (including hazardous waste disposal). Regulatory frameworks such as green building codes, sustainability certification
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Guide to Glycol Disposal
While everyone is familiar with the need for antifreeze to keep their car’s engines at the right temperature, did you know that the same ingredients are used in HVAC systems to protect your system from temperature fluctuations? We are talking about the main ingredient of antifreeze, glycol. Available in two primary forms, ethylene glycol, and
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As a result of aqueous film forming foam being banned across the country and its slow removal from military bases, there’s been an immediate need to figure out the best alternatives to the effective fire suppressant. Despite how well it works, the dangers of aqueous film forming foam are too much with how the PFAS
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For decades, Aqueous Film Forming Foam was the market’s most potent, most efficient fire suppressant. Used by airports, oil refineries, and the U.S. military, AFFF fire extinguishers provide firefighters with the necessary tools to fight challenging fires. But within the last few years, due to its environmental and human hazards, states have begun banning AFFF
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Owners of businesses in nearly every industry need to stay up to date on EPA regulations and violations to avoid unwanted penalties and fines. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has regulations in place that affect local, state and federal governments and their respective agencies. In addition, the EPA has regulations for almost every
... Continue ReadingThe Most Environmentally Friendly Cities in the U.S.
Across the country, citizens are making more concentrated efforts to make their lifestyles more environmentally friendly. In fact, many of us take part in environmentally friendly activities every day, whether we know it or not: getting rid of junk mail, washing clothes in cold water, and choosing reusable water bottles or straws all play a
... Continue ReadingEmpty HAZMAT Container? Check Again.
What appears empty to the normal eye may not be considered empty by the EPA. So even though you set out to comply with all the hazardous waste management regulations for the material itself, you may still end up being at risk of violating the law. The Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) contains
... Continue ReadingDoes your Organization Have a Contingency Plan in Place for Hazardous Waste Disasters?
Whether your organization is large or small, generates a little or a lot of hazardous waste, there’s always the potential for an unforeseen disaster. While it’s easy to dismiss as something that will never happen, it’s much better to have a contingency plan written and rehearsed than to wait until a disaster strikes. Why do
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If you’re involved in the hazardous waste industry, you may be familiar with the RCRA, or U.S. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, which was created to make sure that hazardous materials are being treated, stored and disposed of correctly. RCRA requires that any organization involved in the generation, treatment or disposal of hazardous materials requires
... Continue ReadingWays to Avoid 5 Common Hazardous Waste Violations
Both state and federal laws govern hazardous waste facilities. Facilities that are not following applicable laws can be penalized. Review simple ways to avoid common hazardous waste violations. Inspections Hazardous waste areas must be inspected weekly, and you must maintain logs of these inspections to provide proof. To remain consistent, inspect hazardous waste facilities on
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