Government officials expect businesses to uphold all applicable laws, and the owners are typically the ones who are held accountable for ensuring that this happens. An individual or a company may face backlash when they break certain environmental laws. Addressing any legal issues immediately is imperative because this is a very serious matter.
There are a few common environmental laws, some of which have to do with hazardous waste, which apply to most companies. Business owners and company executives must determine whether these apply to their business or not.
What constitutes hazardous waste?
Hazardous waste is anything that readily burns, contains certain toxic chemicals or is corrosive or explosive. The Environmental Protection Agency lists around 500 materials classified as hazardous waste. Included on the list of hazardous materials are paint, industrial waste, batteries and other similar materials. These materials can take the form of liquids, sludges or solids.
Do some industries handle hazardous waste more than others?
Some industries are more likely to handle these materials than others. Hospitals, dry cleaners, and auto repair shops are a few of them. Factories are also common sources of hazardous waste.
Must all companies come up with disposal strategies?
It doesn’t matter what industry that a company operates in. They must all find a solution for properly disposing of hazardous materials. Doing so can be a costly endeavor. Some companies find alternatives to existing materials that are easier to dispose of.
Environmental laws provide a lot of leeway in terms of the handling of violations. A lawyer familiar with these matters can advise you of your options so that you can make a decision that you feel is in your best interests.