Many small businesses, especially non-manufacturers, may believe that they don't generate hazardous wastes. But hardware stores or general merchandise stores with similar product lines, for example, have a wide variety of hazardous materials in those products. Damaged containers, leaks and spills are a part of that business. Proper maintenance for many businesses includes managing cleaning products, paints, boiler maintenance chemicals, and lawn and garden chemicals that are potential sources of hazardous waste. With solid waste, businesses are required to have a recycling program in place.
Recycling can be an effective way to reduce costs associated with solid waste disposal.
However, recycling without first reducing waste at the source can add costs to the business. The waste reduction and recycling law requires that occupants of commercial, retail, and industrial facilities separate certain materials banned from landfills and incinerators from their waste, or send their waste to a facility that will recover those recyclables from other solid waste. Owners of commercial, retail, and industrial facilities are responsible for providing a recycling program for their tenants. For More Information Contact your local waste reduction and recycling program for specific information on the recycling regulations in your area. The Portfolio includes recycling facts and figures and the most current information on funding opportunities for businesses.