Every business inevitably produces waste that needs to be disposed of. However, unlike residential waste management, commercial disposal is more complex than leaving a bin on the curb once a week.
As business owners, we need to learn about and comply with waste management laws set by national and local regulatory bodies. Typically, we produce two types of waste: hazardous and non-hazardous. Hazardous waste comprises materials that threaten human health, while non-hazardous waste includes general office and food waste.
The latter can be processed through aerobic composting or anaerobic digestion, while hazardous waste usually undergoes specialized treatments such as incineration, neutralization, or landfill disposal. Be it a composter, a digester, or a landfill, it's imperative to comply with waste management regulations. Let's learn about them.
Key Waste Management Laws and Regulations
There are three main types of regulations for sustainable waste management:
- Federal Regulations: In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates waste management. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) is the primary legislation regarding the disposal of municipal solid waste and hazardous waste.
- State-Specific Laws: States also have their regulations for waste management. For example, California's Proposition 65, or the California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act, requires businesses to provide warnings for exposure to chemicals that cause cancer, reproductive harm, and congenital disabilities. Similarly, California's Electronic Waste Recycling Act sets guidelines for properly handling and recycling electronic waste.
- Local Ordinances: In some cases, local governments have additional regulations or ordinances for waste management. These can include requirements for recycling and composting.
Compliance Strategies for Commercial Waste Management
As businesses, we need to have a planned protocol for waste management, and it's not only a legal obligation but also an ethical responsibility. Here are some helpful strategies to stay compliant.
Conduct a Waste Audit
In a waste audit, we identify waste streams to determine the types and quantities of waste our business produces. For example, the waste type may be food, and the amount may be 200 pounds per week. A thorough waste audit can help us decide on an effective waste management plan.
Implement a Waste Management Plan
Once we know how much waste our business produces, we can opt for a plan to dispose of it. For instance, we could partner with a commercial aerobic composting solution like EcoRich for food waste or a recycling company to manage recyclables like paper and plastic.
Train Your Employees
A waste management plan only works if everyone is on board. Train your employees on the proper waste disposal procedures and the importance of waste reduction. We should also raise awareness about the negative impact of improper waste management on your company and the environment.
Penalties for Non-Compliance With Waste Management Regulations
Businesses that fail to comply with waste management laws, whether federal or local, face legal, reputational, monetary, and environmental consequences. Penalties may range from fines and legal fees to negative publicity.
Their severity depends on the extent of the violation and the harm caused by non-compliance. However, here are some general repercussions businesses may face.
Fines and Legal Consequences
Non-compliance with the RCRA is illegal. So, businesses that don't follow RCRA regulations may face penalties and fines. According to the EPA, the daily fine can be as high as $37,500. For any business, this amount can add up quickly and result in financial constraints.
Businesses guilty of several violations may also face legal action, such as lawsuits and criminal charges. RCRA's 3008(e) authority over "knowing endangerment" allows authorities to prosecute individuals that knowingly subject anyone to bodily injury or death. In addition to a fine of $250,000, the violator may face up to 15 years in prison.
Environmental and Reputation Impact
If we just look at food waste alone, the United States produces roughly 133 billion pounds of it per year, which is 30% to 40% of the food supply. Overall, the country produces 300 million tons of municipal solid waste a year, 50% of which goes to landfills.
Businesses that do not comply with waste management laws contribute to these alarming statistics and significantly impact the environment. Also, the news of their non-compliance can become public knowledge and damage their reputation and brand image.
Benefits of Compliance
In contrast to non-compliance, following waste management regulations have several benefits for us as businesses.
Cost Savings
Efficient waste management facilitates cost savings for businesses in various ways. First, proper disposal helps businesses avoid fines and penalties. Second, it reduces the extra costs of inefficient waste disposal, leading to chaos and additional labor costs. Third, implementing waste reduction and recycling practices can save money by reducing the materials they need to purchase.
Positive Environmental Impact
Sustainable waste management is the way to make this world livable for future generations. Compliance allows us to play a role in environmental conservation.
Improved Corporate Image and Customer Image
In North America, 40% of customers say they will likely buy from a business committed to sustainability. So, there's no denying that following waste management regulations can build customer trust and increase brand loyalty. It also creates a positive corporate image, which every business strives for.
Resources and Support for Sustainable Waste Management
Here are some resources businesses can use to learn about waste management compliance.
- Government Resources: The EPA has a page dedicated to waste management resources for businesses and local governments. You can find information about food-specific waste management here.
- Non-Governmental Resources: EcoRich has a video selection that explains how aerobic digestion and anaerobic digestion work. There's also a blog dedicated to waste management.
- Financing Resources: Businesses can apply for financing for waste management equipment through the EcoRich financing hub.
Conclusion
We often have our hands full with everyday operations and may not give much thought to waste management regulations. EcoRich simplifies waste management for businesses by offering on-site commercial composting to convert food waste into soil amendments.
EcoRich provides both aerobic digestion and anaerobic digestion solutions to help our businesses streamline waste management and lower the carbon footprint.
Get in touch with EcoRich to learn how to facilitate compliance with business waste management laws.
