by Chris Picciano
Properly disposing of waste materials is important for all contractors to stay legally compliant, safe, and provide overall efficiency on a project. Contractors must understand the regulations and best practices for handling a wide variety of waste materials. Let’s look at a few ways contractors can dispose of waste properly while staying legally compliant.
Establish a Plan
The first step all contractors must take when it comes to waste disposal is to create a plan. The waste management plan for the job site must include the expected types of waste, how to handle materials, the proper disposal of the different materials, and the roles of those on the crew when it comes time to dispose of waste. The waste management plan must also include proper procedures for reporting of waste removal from the site. A well-designed plan will ensure that all individuals working on the job site are aware of their responsibilities and will help maintain compliance with all safety regulations.
Implement Waste Segregation
Effective waste disposal begins with proper segregation of materials. Contractors must designate certain areas for different styles of waste. These often include recyclables, organic waste, non-recyclable material, and hazardous waste. Proper labeling and providing in-depth instructions to workers on how to dispose of the different materials will significantly improve the waste management process. Beginning with segregation of materials helps prevent any cross-contamination between materials, allows for debris to go to the proper place for disposal, and helps protect the environment.
Recycle and Reuse
Recycling and reusing materials on job sites not only helps with the environment but can reduce costs for the job at hand. Contractors must identify recyclable materials such as wood, concrete, metal, or plastics and have these items set aside in a designated area during the job. Contractors can partner with local recycling facilities for proper disposal of these materials. Additionally, any materials that can be reused such as boards, or concrete, must be set aside in a separate, designated area. Even if you can’t use these materials on the current job, you can save them for future projects. Recycling materials is a great process to promote within your business due to the number of clients who want to be as green as possible.
Dispose of Hazardous Materials Properly
Handling and disposing of hazardous materials on job sites requires special attention from those involved. Hazardous materials like paint, asbestos, certain chemicals, freon, and solvents require special handling due to legal requirements, protecting workers and environment. Contractors handling these materials must ensure this waste is secured, labeled, and transported by licensed hazardous waste removers.
All hazardous materials are required to be labeled according to EPA and DOT regulations. These labels must be clearly visible, durable and weather resistant. These labels list the material in the container, the generator’s information, accumulation date, and the DOT shipping name.
It’s also important to provide those working with these dangerous materials the proper PPE, gloves, foot and eye protection, hard hats, respirators, ear plugs, and full body suits when necessary, so they remain safe during the process. Maintain detailed records of all hazardous materials on the site, according to EPA regulations on how they are being stored and how they are being disposed to eliminate any issue with the EPA or other legal authorities. (See epa.gov/regulatory-information-sector/construction-sector-naics-23)
Waste management is the responsibility of all people working on the job. Understanding regulations, developing recycling strategies, and ensuring the safe handling of hazardous waste materials is crucial to keep everyone on the job site safe as well as the environment. By prioritizing these waste disposal steps, contractors can be sure they remain in compliance, are environmentally friendly, and can help reduce costs for the project. Staying informed on waste disposal practices is important for all contractors, as many laws tend to change on how to be the most efficient and environmentally friendly when it comes to waste management on job sites.
http://areadisposal.comChris Picciano is the President of Area Disposal (areadisposal.com) in Phoenix, Arizona. Area Disposal specializes in making trash disposal easier by offering cost effective dumpster services throughout the Greater Phoenix area for contractors, homeowners, commercial building owners, and much more. GSCB
