The EnviroBlog

Neither The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) nor most states specifically define trace chemotherapy (often shortened to “chemo”). EPA has recently recognized trace chemo waste as empty IV bags, tubings, vials, gowns, gloves and other items that are contaminated with residual chemo pharmaceuticals.  To add to the overall confusion, EPA lists only nine chemo agents, but we must consider that the regulations were written years ago and have not been updated since the approval of numerous new drugs now on the market. What is Trace Chemotherapy Waste? All chemo paraphernalia should be managed as trace chemo waste if there is any risk exposure to chemo contamination. Trace chemo waste includes: RCRA empty vials, syringes, IV bags, tubing, gowns, gloves, wipes other paraphernalia associated with routine handling, preparation, and administration of chemo wipes and other materials used during routine cleaning and decontamination of a biological safety cabinet or glove box ...

For those of us who ship lithium batteries, you are probably well aware of the recent regulatory changes regarding them.   These changes were enacted in 2017 and called for a two-year transition period during which “old” labels could still be used while phasing in the “new” labels.   January 1, 2019 marked the end of that phase-in period and you can no longer use the “old” labels. We strongly recommend if you haven’t already started using these new updated labels yet, now is the time to do it! To ensure you are using the correctly marked labels, below are some examples of “approved” and “no longer approved” labels.   Consult with your local Enviroexpert today to ensure correct shipping of your lithium batteries! YES NO

Effectively developing, implementing and managing an integrated waste solution requires a very specific set of expertise, resources and planning.   We’re here to ensure your organization has the solutions and services you need to implement a scalable program that handles all you waste streams at all your locations. As your single source partner with our Enviroexpert Integrated Waste Solutions, we offer: ·          Assess and evaluate your companywide waste management and disposal programs for all waste including but not limited to hazardous waste, non-hazardous waste, pharmaceutical waste, regulated medical waste, universal waste, recycling materials, and secure and confidential documents for shredding.  We also assess points of generation and equipment efficiency with focus on evaluating collective effectiveness and identifying needs and conditions for success. ·          Design, Deve...

While the EPA normally prohibits hazardous waste treatment without a permit, in Maryland one rare exception can be found.   Using an ENU under certain conditions and meeting certain requirements in Maryland help some generators of hazardous waste lower disposal cost and sometimes even generator status designation. An Elementary neutralization unit is defined as a device which is used for neutralizing wastes which are hazardous only because they exhibit the corrosivity characteristic and is a tank, tank system, container, transport vehicle, or vessel.   In order to reap the extended benefits of using this equipment you must meet the following requirements: 1.        The waste must only be corrosive characteristic (D002).   If the waste is hazardous for any other reason (ie. Toxic in addition to corrosive), the benefits cannot be applied. 2.        The waste must be treated in an ENU immediately upon gene...

Are you on track to complete your TRI report on time? What are TRI toxic chemicals? Every year on July 1, Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) Reports are due as required by EPCRA Section 313.   Section 313 contains a list of specific chemicals and chemical categories and requires facilities to file a TRI report annually for each “Section 313” chemical exceeding an activity threshold. Who needs to report?   If you meet all three of these criteria you are required to report: 1.        10 or more full-time employees or the equivalent 2.        Are in a TRI-covered industry sector (ie. NAICS codes are listed) 3.        At least one TRI-listed chemical meets minimum threshold during the calendar year Is this the same as Tier II? Although both are mandated regulatory reports and deal with chemical inventory, there are basic differences that make them distinct from one another...