Proper disposal of hazardous waste is required by law. Yet, it can be complicated, time-consuming, and expensive. Business owners risk hefty fines and/or jail time if they illegaly dump hazardous waste in the trash, down storm drains, gutters, sinks, or abandon it in alleys or at job sites. Even storing hazardous wastes on-site for long periods is technically not legal.
The County of Ventura, and several cities within the county, provide low-cost disposal programs for businesses which qualify as Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generators or CESQG’s.
As defined in the California Health & Safety Code Section 25218.1, and the Code of Federal Regulations (40 CFR 261.5), a business qualifies as a CESQG provided they do not generate/accumulate more than 100 kilograms (220 pounds or approximately 27 gallons) of a hazardous waste, or 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) of an acutely hazardous waste in a calendar month. Typically, small businesses fall into this category and except for some specific wastes listed in the code, their hazardous wastes are not subject to regulation, or the notification requirements of Section 3010 of the Resource Conservation & Recovery Act (RCRA).
Businesses are expected to pay for hazardous waste disposal. However, CESQG Programs offer significantly reduced pricing versus using a permitted waste hauler. Each waste stream type has an established price and businesses are charged on a per pound/gallon basis. A small administrative fee may also be incurred. Disposal costs may be tax deductible and long-term liability for final disposition of the waste is assumed by the sponsoring agency. Additionally, some cities subsidize a portion of the disposal costs for qualifying businesses within their respective jurisdictions to encourage participation and make this program even more affordable.
Prior to participating in any CESQG program, businesses are provided with a simple questionnaire which is to be completed and returned for review. The type(s) and quantity(ies) of waste the business wants to dispose of is reported on this questionnaire. If the business qualifies as a CESQG, a disposal cost estimate, based on the type and quantity of the materials reported, is provided along with an appointment time to deliver the waste to the receiving facility. The waste is weighed at the receiving facility on a certified scale for accuracy and recorded with the disposal cost for the business and the agency's records. Payment is usually required at the time of service unless prior arrangements have been made.
For more information, contact the facility listed below for your area.
Camarillo, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Ojai, Fillmore, Santa Paula and
Unincorporated Ventura County businesses call
Clean Harbors Environmental Services at (805) 987-0717.
Oxnard and Port Hueneme businesses may also
dispose of antifreeze, batteries, oil, oil filters, fluorescent
light tubes, and latex paint at the Del Norte Recycling Center,
(805) 278-8200.
Thousand Oaks businesses contact Philip Services, Inc.
at (323) 776-6233 or visit www.philipnow.com for on-line
processing support.
City of Ventura businesses call (805) 652-4525
Ventura County Business Guide to Hazardous Waste Management
Hazardous waste or toxic waste refers to discarded materials that can potentially threaten human health or the environment. These materials can be flammable, toxic, reactive, or corrosive. The use of hazardous substances may be unavoidable for many Ventura County businesses. However, new, safer alternatives to many toxics are continually being developed, as are innovative strategies for reducing the amount of hazardous waste produced by businesses. Eliminating or reducing the use of hazardous or toxic chemicals can result in many important benefits, including:
- More efficient use or reuse of process materials
- Reduced waste disposal expenses
- Diminished liability concerns
- Less complex regulatory compliance
- Protection of public health and the environment
Tips for Reducing Hazardous Waste Generation
- Train employees on proper hazardous materials management and waste reduction.
- Keep shops clean and orderly to eliminate leaks and spills.
- Install drip plates, pans or trays to catch drippings and return them to a tank.
- Estimate and use only the amount of materials necessary for a job.
- Stay within legal discharge limits for all waste effluents.
- Evaluate the waste stream for potential in-plant treatment and recycling.
- Segregate wastes to allow for easier recycling.
- Substitute feedstock materials with those having less-hazardous ingredients.
- For large volumes of solvent waste, install on-site distillation units.
- Apply flow restriction devices like pH-controlled and pressure-controlled shutoff values.
- Use high-volume, low-pressure spray guns for painting operations.
- Develop working relationships with single vendors to facilitate "deals" on bulk purchases and to return old, off-specification products.
- Keep abreast of new technologies and regulatory requirements.
- Work with other similar businesses to form a cooperative to reduce disposal costs and support development of non-proprietary treatment technologies.
For additional fact sheets for specific businesses, including photographic processors, printers, automotive painters and more, contact the Ventura County Environmental Health Division at (805) 654-2813.
For more information about the Business Hazardous Waste Collection program, contact:
Don Sheppard
(805) 658-4318
don.sheppard@ventura.org
Low Cost Hazardous Waste Disposal Programs For Qualifying Businesses
