Hazardous Waste Law

Depending on the operations of your small business, you may eventually come across hazardous waste issues. Waste is considered hazardous if it is (a) ignitable (burns readily); (b) corrosive or reactive (explosive); or (c) contains certain amounts of toxic chemicals.
Whether it’s everyday items like paints, oils, batteries or cleaners or more industrial wastes like cement kiln dust or crude oil wastes, the improper handling and disposal of such materials could put your business at risk.

EPA and Hazardous Waste Law

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed a list of some 500 specific hazardous wastes. Hazardous wastes may be solids, sludges, or liquids. Businesses that produce hazardous waste can include: dry cleaners; auto repair shops; hospitals; exterminators; and photo processing centers. We’ve even helped some construction companies and manufacturing businesses with EPA violations.

Larger hazardous waste generators can include chemical manufacturers, electroplating companies, and petroleum refineries.

Hazardous waste traditionally was disposed of on the land of the person or facility that generated the waste. Occasionally, the generator would transport the waste to an off-site disposal area. In either case, there often was little or no record keeping, so subsequent landowners were unaware of risks on their property and waste was stored improperly. This led to significant contamination of land and water, exposing those living in the area to any number of related medical conditions.

Before federal regulation of hazardous waste disposal began, the EPA estimated that 290 million tons of hazardous waste were produced in the United States annually, ninety percent of which was disposed of improperly. Some old hazardous waste sites, like Love Canal, have been the subject of toxic tort lawsuits by people who were injured by exposure to the toxic substances.

Disposing Properly of Hazardous Waste in Utah

Due to the increasing regulation of hazardous waste disposal efforts at both the federal and state level there are now a number of recycling options for businesses. Because the components of your waste determine the level of regulatory rules, one thing you may want to consider is whether your business could use alternate materials that are more easily recycled. Even if they’re more expensive on the front end, they could end up saving you a considerable amount of time and resources at the disposal phase.
If recycling is not an option for the hazardous waste associated with your business, then you may want to consider contracting with a hazardous waste disposal company. These companies are familiar with federal and state regulations and, at the end of the day, can take the burden (and liability) off of your shoulders. The costs and risks involved in trying to dispose of the waste on your own could far outweigh the cost of paying another company to do it for you. After all, if your business is responsible for a hazardous waste release, you could be facing corrective action from the EPA, ongoing litigation, and cleanup costs.

Hazardous Waste Lawyer Free Consultation

When you need legal help with a hazardous waste issue or EPA case, please call Ascent Law for your free consultation (801) 676-5506. We want to help you.

Michael Anderson

People who want a lot of Bull go to a Butcher. People who want results navigating a complex legal field go to a Lawyer that they can trust. That’s where I come in. I am Michael Anderson, an Attorney in the Salt Lake area focusing on the needs of the Average Joe wanting a better life for him and his family. I’m the Lawyer you can trust. I grew up in Utah and love it here. I am a Father to three, a Husband to one, and an Entrepreneur. I understand the feelings of joy each of those roles bring, and I understand the feeling of disappointment, fear, and regret when things go wrong. I attended the University of Utah where I received a B.A. degree in 2010 and a J.D. in 2014. I have focused my practice in Wills, Trusts, Real Estate, and Business Law. I love the thrill of helping clients secure their future, leaving a real legacy to their children. Unfortunately when problems arise with families. I also practice Family Law, with a focus on keeping relationships between the soon to be Ex’s civil for the benefit of their children and allowing both to walk away quickly with their heads held high. Before you worry too much about losing everything that you have worked for, before you permit yourself to be bullied by your soon to be ex, before you shed one more tear in silence, call me. I’m the Lawyer you can trust.

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