Reducing Your Facility’s Hazardous Waste (Part 4 of 6)

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sent this bulletin on 02/15/2018 03:30 PM EST
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
DEC Delivers - Information to keep you connected and informed from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
Share or view as a web page || Update preferences or unsubscribe

Reducing Your Facility's Hazardous Waste (Part 4 of 6)

Changing Your Operating Practices

worker typing into a digital management systemA common source of hazardous waste is excess chemical inventory that expires before it can be fully utilized. Effective ordering practices can prevent waste, including the following:

  • utilize a digital management system to keep track of inventory quantities and expiration dates
  • train employees in charge of inventory management to order only the minimum quantities necessary and at the right times
  • avoid bulk purchasing deals which seem to save money, but can lead to excess inventory that needs to be disposed

Facilities can also implement the following operating practices to minimize their waste:

  • avoid commingling of non-hazardous, with listed hazardous wastes, reducing the overall volume of the hazardous waste stream
  • improve preventive maintenance practices in order to reduce leaks from equipment or your vehicle fleet

For more information about how to reduce your facility's hazardous waste output, please see the Environmental Compliance Assistance for Small Businesses guide (opens as a PDF).

Toxics Release Inventory

The EPA’s Pollution Prevention (P2) and Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) webpage has a P2 Search Tool that can provide examples of actions that facilities have taken to reduce their hazardous waste generation. It also provides a breakdown of different reduction measures.

Direct Assistance Program

The New York State Pollution Prevention Institute (NYSP2I) offers direct assistance to facilities to improve processes and to grow their bottom line.

Please keep checking your inboxes for Part 5: Put the Waste Back into the Process.

In case you missed them:

Part 1: Start with Less Hazardous Inputs

Part 2: Product Re-Design

Part 3: Update the Process

We would like to know what you think. Please send your questions or comments regarding Hazardous Waste Reduction to us at HW.ReductionPlanning@dec.ny.gov.