FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 11, 2013
DEP NORTHEAST DISTRICT HOSTS FREE HAZARDOUS WASTE TRAINING TO LARGE QUANTITY GENERATORS
~Workshop focused on used oil storage requirements and management of commercial hazardous waste~
 Guests look over presentation materials on the proper handling of hazardous waste.
JACKSONVILLE - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Northeast District held a free workshop attended by 60 hazardous waste representatives that focused on the handling of commercial hazardous waste and the storage of used oil. Agenda items included hazardous waste identification, large quantity generator hazardous waste regulations, used oil and used oil filter management standards and universal waste regulations.
“This free, one-day workshop provided participants with an opportunity to learn how to safely and appropriately manage wastes generated at their facilities,” said the DEP’s Northeast District Director Greg Strong. “Our workshop is part of an ongoing Department wide effort to provide a higher level of compliance assistance to environmental professionals across a range of businesses and industries in Northeast Florida.”
The workshop was held on Jan. 10 and was attended by 60 representatives from 31 facilities that typically generate large volumes of hazardous waste. This training was well attended and it is another example of the Department’s efforts to work directly with the community, and to successfully drive higher rates of environmental compliance throughout the state.
Hazardous waste is a discarded substance that, because of its concentration, physical or chemical characteristics, may pose a substantial or potential hazard to human health or the environment when improperly treated, stored, disposed, or transported. Common regulated wastes include used oil and filters, anti-freeze, solvents, rags, paint wastes, lead-acid batteries, dental amalgams, fluorescent tubes and high-intensity light bulbs containing mercury.
All hazardous waste must be properly containerized as soon as it is generated. For disposal, facilities must ensure delivery of the hazardous waste to a permitted treatment, storage or disposal facility. Hazardous wastes must be handled in ways that prevent them from reaching the environment. They need to be kept out of the soil, groundwater, surface water and air. Exposure to them can cause adverse health effects. In Florida, because of our shallow aquifers, even small amounts of hazardous waste can seep into the groundwater and contaminate our drinking water supply.
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