KNOW

what’s at stake.As the generator of a hazardous secondary

material, you ultimately decide whether the

material is safely managed. The decision to

recycle your hazardous materials can be an

important step in reducing your company’s

environmental footprint.

When improperly managed, hazardous secondary

materials can be released into the environment,polluting the land, water, and air, and affectingpublic health. Asking your recycler a few questions

can prevent environmental damage and ensurethat your materials do not contribute to a site that

faces a costly environmental clean‐up in its future.

If you are uncomfortable with a recycler’s ability

to answer the questions on the previous pages

in a satisfactory manner, you may want to send

your materials to another recycler.

ChoosRespoRecyclA GUIDEFOR GENEROF HAZARD

SECONDAR

Recycled/Recyclable—Printed on paper that

contains at least 50% post consumer fiber. 

1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20460

Document #EPA530‐F‐09‐018
What to ask when choosing a recycler

LEARNthe basics.LEARNCan the recycler give you a general description

of its business, including a point of contact,

number of employees, years in business andownership history, site information and history,

summary of operations, services offered, etc.?

Can the recycler give you a general description

of its business, including a point of contact,

number of employees, years in business andownership history, site information and history,

summary of operations, services offered, etc.?

Can the recycler provide the facility’s

compliance record with federal and state

environmental and occupational safety

regulations? Does the facility’s record indicate a

commitment to sound environmentalstewardship?

Can the recycler provide the facility’s

compliance record with federal and state

environmental and occupational safety

regulations? Does the facility’s record indicate a

commitment to sound environmentalstewardship?

UNDERSTANDthe recycling process.Does the recycler normally accept the materials

you want recycled?Does the recycler normally accept the materials

you want recycled?

After receiving your materials, does the recycler

track them through its process?After receiving your materials, does the recycler

track them through its process?

Can the recycler describe its processes and

procedures for recycling, reuse, or resale?

Can the recycler describe its processes and

procedures for recycling, reuse, or resale?

Does the recycler have environmental, health,

and safety management systems in place toensure environmentally sound managementpractices?

Does the recycler have environmental, health,

and safety management systems in place to

ensure environmentally sound managementpractices?

ASK about 

happens afte

Is there a reliable ma

products or intermed

recycling your hazard

Is there a reliable ma

products or intermed

recycling your hazard

Are residuals, if any a

recycling process, ma

protective of human 

environment?Are residuals, if any a

recycling process, ma

protective of human 

environment?

Can the recycler prov

businesses, landfills, o

sends products and/o

Can the recycler prov

businesses, landfills, o

sends products and/o

Can the recycler supp

disposition for your m

Can the recycler supp

disposition for your m

the basics.

UNDERSTANDthe recycling process.

ASK about 

happens afte

WANT MORE INFORMATION?Visit EPA’s general hazardous materials recycling Web site at

http://www.epa.gov/wastes/hazard/recycling

Review a recycler’s compliance status with EPA at http://www.epa‐echo.gov/echo/