If you’re a hazardous waste generator, or looking to get rid of excess waste (AFFF, lithium batteries, hand sanitizer), there’s always two factors to keep in the back of your mind: one is regulations and the other is cost.
You don’t have a choice in which regulations to follow, they’re set by the EPA and local government. On the other hand, you do have a choice in who you work with for your hazardous waste disposal, transportation, and overall management.
We’ve broken down hazardous waste management by the numbers to assist you in making the right choice the next time you need help with your waste management.
Waste Generation Costs
The cost of hazardous waste disposal varies greatly depending on the type of waste and the disposal method. Because every project is different, it’s important to speak with a HWH Environmental team member to find out the exact cost of your hazardous waste disposal project.
Hazardous waste disposal typically costs between $200 and $1,000 per ton. As always, each project varies in cost.
More dangerous or specialized waste can cost $2,000 per ton or more.
Location, waste type, and amount all factor into a project’s cost.
Some industries, such as manufacturing, healthcare, and automotive, generate high volumes of hazardous waste, leading to higher disposal costs. The more waste you produce, the more expensive it is to dispose of.
Collection and transportation provide an entirely different set of costs. Depending on the waste collected and transported, and its location, your prices may vary.
Finding ways to reduce waste at the source is the only way to reduce costs. Unfortunately, for many industries, that isn’t possible.
Choosing the cheapest option for hazardous waste disposal might end up being more expensive in the long run, as other disposal companies may cut corners to save costs. These shortcuts can result in penalties for you, such as neglecting federal regulations or necessitating a call to another team for disposal.
When you call HWH Environmental, you collaborate with a team that has decades of experience in hazardous waste disposal. This means you can be confident that your project will be completed correctly and on time, the first time.
Non-Compliance Fines
Regulatory compliance is not optional when it comes to hazardous waste.
The EPA and other agencies enforce strict regulations, and failure to comply usually results in heavy fines. Minor violations can start at a few thousand dollars while serious penalties range in $70,000 and upwards per incident.
If you become a repeat offender, that might lead to a larger settlement. One large company received a fine over $7 million as a result of multiple hazardous waste violations.
One of the worst mistakes you can make is relying on an untrustworthy hazardous waste disposal company.
Compliance and Training
Hazardous waste regulations are complex, and staying compliant requires proper employee training and documentation. You do not want to risk employee health because of a lack of education on compliance and best practices.
We’ve seen businesses spend around $1,000 to $3,000 per year on employee hazardous waste training with another $5,000 or more annually on compliance software, audits, and updated documentation.
These initial costs may seem high, but compared to the average EPA or RCRA fine, they are cheap.
With a well-trained and educated team, you can prevent spills, improper labelling, and other common hazardous waste mishaps. Just knowing that everyone on your team has the skills to prevent serious penalties is worth a lot of money.
Invest Wisely in Hazardous Waste Management. Call HWH Environmental for a Quote Today.
At HWH Environmental, we help businesses reduce costs and eliminate compliance risks with customized hazardous waste management solutions.
Whether you need help with waste disposal, transportation, or management, our team is here to help you with your waste management strategy and save money.
Contact us today to get a free consultation and find out how much you can save!
