The EnviroBlog

 There are different approaches to treating waste, but the following points are common principles followed by many inside and outside the US. Which of the following categories does your organization fall in? Prevent waste The best thing to do is to not generate waste. If that is not possible, try to substitute non-hazardous or less hazardous chemicals into your processes. Think about only ordering chemicals that you need to use now vs. buying bulk chemicals/larger quantity to receive a discount in cost. In the end, this costs you more because you have to dispose of the excess that you do not end up using. In addition, this is not a sustainable practice. Instead of sending something to the waste pile, find out if others in the organization are able to use it, this prevents waste and cuts disposal costs. Prepare to re-use You may ask yourself, how am I going to reuse this? Electronic waste can be reused, instead of disposing of the escrap as hazardous waste, it can be taken apart and...

The EPA is considering adding hazardous waste aerosol cans to those universal wastes regulated under 40 CFR 273.  This proposal would streamline the management of hazardous waste aerosol cans and reduce disposal costs. Read more

WHAT RECYCLING PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES DO YOU HAVE IMPLEMENTED? Thinking about starting a recycling program?  What recycling programs or activities do you already have implemented? Please share with us what recycling programs you already have implemented that’s working! Post your answer in the comments below.

EMSI offers CESQG dental amalgam recycling kits If you have less than one pound of dental amalgam for recycling, this kit offers an economically friendly alternative to disposal as waste.   These Dental Amalgam Recycling Kits contain everything needed to send dental amalgam for recycling. Supply price: $175.00 Disposal: $200.00 Total: $375 (Paid upon order) Kit Includes: 1- Gallon Recycle Kit Pail 1 - Gallon Zip Lock Bag/ 16oz plastic jar 1- 1 - Return Label must be included in the box - (All Dental Amalgam return labels will have the Allentown address - this prevents the individual facilities from having to receive them and then ship them out to PA to be processed). The 16oz jar can be used to hold the 'wet' dental amalgam. This container must be put inside the Ziploc bag. Other 'dry' dental amalgam waste can be packed around the jar and the Ziploc bag. The total amount of mercury contained in the kit must be less than 1 pound. Accepta...