How to Reduce Hazardous Materials

Hazardous waste includes material that can be lit at 140 degrees Fahrenheit, that is very acidic or basic, reacts with water or produces toxic and/or cyanotic gases when released. This waste could cost small businesses a lot of money to get it hauled away. Having a pollution prevention program or P2, will help reduce the hazardous waste produced and save money.

1. Plan a P2
   program. The program should be designed to reduce the amount of
   waste used by your business.


2. Conduct a
   waste stream assessment. Without the assessment you cannot solve
   your hazardous waste and pollution program. You need to know what
   you producing and how must is wasted, before you can solve the
   program.


3. Determine the
   actions you need to take to reduce the waste. You may need to lose
   less chemical products, treating waste at your site or apply for a
   permit to that allows you more sophisticated hazardous waste
   reduction methods.


4. Follow
   through on step 3, and ensure that your employees know how to assist
   in the process.


5. Get a permit
   from your local and/or state government to neutralize your waste. If
   you are attempting to change the pH of the waste, you will need to
   apply for a permit to do this. The Environmental Protection
   Agency (EPA) has many guidelines regarding the alteration of
   hazardous waste by businesses.


6. Recycle your
   hazardous waste. Some chemicals and solvents can be recycled and
   reused on-site.


7. Treat your
   waste in tanks on the grounds of your business. Some allowable
   treatments include precipitating metals to make waste less hazardous
   and reduce oxidation.