The Responsibilities Of A Waste Oil Generator
There are a few key phases of hazardous waste and waste oil generation that open an organization up to potential legal repercussions if not handled appropriately.
Waste Oil Storage
When the waste oil is still on site, you are responsible for storing it in designated areas with appropriate labels. Detailed records of all generated waste must be kept. For large quantity waste generators, you have 90 days from when the waste is first generated to when is must be shipped off-site. This timeline is strict and not adhering to it can result in fines.
Waste Oil Transportation
Waste oil disposal services must follow specific regulations, as well. All waste must be manifested and shipped on regulated transporters to permitted facilities. Any errors during this process could also result in fines. It is dangerous to transport hazardous waste, so if you choose to transport it for disposal, you want to evaluate the training of the company you use. To minimize your risk, waste oil generators should hire audited and well-rated disposal companies, however, know that you are still putting your trust in someone else to follow the rules and regulations to prevent you from being fined.
Waste Oil Disposal: What Is Cradle-To-Grave Liability?
Cradle-to-grave means that even after your hazardous waste is taken off-site by whatever disposal agency you choose to hire, you are still responsible if that disposal is mishandled – be it intentional or not.
These regulations have been honed over the last half a century since the EPA was founded in 1970. It was estimated that only 10 percent of hazardous waste was being properly managed at this time. Landfilling is one of the most common ways that organizations that generate waste oil dispose of the hazardous waste. As time has gone on, we've become more and more educated about waste oil and the detriments it has on our environment and our health. This has encouraged different entities, including the EPA to find alternative ways to dispose of our waste oil.
Recycling Waste Oil
One of the best ways to not only limit the liability you have as a waste oil generator but also decrease your effect on the environment is by recycling your waste oil. Waste oil burners are the perfect option for organizations that generate large amounts of waste oil. You can choose between burners that generate heat for your workspace or heat water that you use in your facility. Whether you want to heat your space or your water, burning your waste oil significantly decreases your overall liability, as well as the trust you have to put in others, as you control your waste oil through the entire process.
If your organization produces waste oil and you want to limit the liability your company has, check out our waste oil burners today.