When it comes to hazardous waste removal, the public is given an entirely new set of criteria to abide by. You can’t simply haul hazardous waste to the dump or have it recycled like other, non-hazardous materials.
While Nixxit Junk doesn’t dispose of any hazardous waste, we’re keen to help people understand what to consider when removing this type of material.
There are federal regulations in place that you must abide by when performing or ordering a junk removal process of this kind. There are also local and state regulations you need to familiarize yourself with. Here’s everything you need to know about hazardous junk removal in the Bay Area.
Hazardous Junk Removal Regulations in the Bay Area, CA
Before diving into some of the local, state, and federal regulations that may impact hazardous waste removal, it’s important to know what qualifies as hazardous waste. Below is a list of common household hazardous waste:
- Expired Medication
- Paint
- Batteries
- Cleaning Solvents
- Chemicals
- Full-propane Tanks
- Fluorescent Bulbs
- Oil, Gasoline, Auto Fluids
- Pharmaceutical Waste
- Solar Panels
Local Regulations
The Refuse Separation Ordinance (No. 180646)
Effective as of 2019, the city of San Francisco decreed that large refuse generators must be subject to a trash audit every 3 years to ensure compliance with the Mandatory Recycling and Compliance Ordinance.
San Francisco’s Mandatory Recycling and Composting Ordinance
This ordinance mandates that both businesses and private residents strive to properly separate recyclables and compostables from the junk going to the landfill.
C&D Ordinance in the City and County of San Francisco
Under this ordinance, the city and county of San Francisco require construction projects to transport their debris with a registered C&D provider, and to a registered construction & debris recycling facility that can divert at least 65% of it from a landfill.
State Regulations
AB 1826: Organics Recycling and Hauling
Passed in 2014 and updated in 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2021, this measure extended the recycling mandate to businesses and multi-family complexes that generate 4 cubic yards of organic waste or solid waste “trash” per week. The waste generators are responsible for trash separation, but food waste is exempt (though still required to be put in recycled green waste).
Federal Regulations
Executive Order (E.O.) 13693, Planning for Federal Sustainability in the Next Decade
Passed in 2016 by the EPA, this wide-ranging revision of hazardous waste generator regulations added flexible standards for generating and consolidating waste. The EPA also revised the standards for hazardous waste determinations, marking, and labeling processes. Check it out here.
What Are the Challenges of Meeting These Regulations?
There are challenges specific to meeting hazardous waste removal regulations, but each is overcomeable.
Investing in Specialized Equipment
Specialized equipment is necessary if you a) opt to or b) due to the volume of produced waste, are required to recycle waste yourself. This equipment is expensive and can be hard to locate. It includes:
- Acids
- Liquid fuels
- Oils and coolants
- Wastewater
- Baghouse Dust
Undergoing Hazardous Material Training
The Department of Transportation requires HAZMAT training for those who transport hazardous material to be recycled. The handling, packaging, shipping, and transportation of hazardous materials is a carefully regulated process outlined under Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
You will learn all this and more in training.
Ensuring Waste is Properly Identified, Managed, and Treated During Disposal
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act outlined everything you need to know about the disposal of hazardous materials. That includes identifying hazardous waste, transportation standards, storage standards, facility operations, and more.
Does Nixxit Junk Removal Dispose of Hazardous Waste?
While Nixxit Junk Removal is dedicated to providing progressive junk removal solutions for the Bay Area we do not remove hazardous waste.
We’re one of only a handful of green-certified junk removal and hauling companies in the Bay Area. Our green practices include water conservation, energy conservation, solid waste reduction and recycling, and more. We do everything we can to meet our 80% landfill diversion goal. Let us know if you have any questions about our residential and commercial junk removal services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Businesses Required To Recycle in the Bay Area?
Bay Area businesses are required to recycle under several local, state, and federal environmental and disposal ordinances. Exactly which regulations you’re subject to all depends on how big your business is, how much waste you produce, and whether or not that waste is hazardous, so make sure to do your research.
The Bottom Line
Disposing of hazardous waste is tricky-business. While Nixxit Junk Removal doesn’t remove this type of waste, we do hope this article has helped our customer find the best solutions for their junk removal needs.
Need Help with Junk Removal?
Nixxit Junk Removal can help with your junk removal needs in the Bay Area, CA.
- Full-Service Junk Removal and Sorting
- We Do the Heavy Lifting and Loading
- Locally Owned and Operated
- Donation and Recycling
- Same Day Appointments Available!
