As part of the CUPA, the Hazardous Materials Division implements the Hazardous Waste Inspection Program. The purpose of this program is to ensure that all hazardous wastes generated by San Bernardino County facilities are properly managed. Specialists in this program inspect facilities that generate hazardous waste, investigate complaints of unlawful hazardous waste disposal, and participate in public education. These programs are designed to provide information about laws and regulations relating to safe management of hazardous waste.
What is Hazardous Waste?
Hazardous waste may be liquid, solid, compressed gases, or sludge. The waste may be by-products of manufacturing processes or simply unwanted commercial products. If the waste has any of these four characteristics, then it is considered to be hazardous:
- Ignitability
- Reactivity
- Corrosivity
- Toxicity
More information on specific hazardous wastes can be found in the California Health and Safety Code, Division 20, Chapter 6.5 and the California Code of Regulations Title 22 or by contacting a Specialist at 909.386.8401.
Treatment of Hazardous Wastes & Tiered Permitting
Hazardous Waste Treatment is any method, technique or process which changes the physical, chemical, or biological character or composition of any hazardous waste. Treatment is also the removal or reduction of a waste's harmful properties for any purpose including, but not limited to, energy recovery, material recovery or volume reduction. Treatment does NOT include the removal of residues from the manufacturing process equipment for the purposes of cleaning that equipment. Facilities treating or planning to treat hazardous waste on-site must notify the CUPA by completing a Tiered Permitting notification form to obtain appropriate authorization. Questions relating to Tiered Permitting should be directed to a Specialist at 909.386.8401.
Hazardous Waste Generator Responsibilities
- Clearly label each container of hazardous waste with:
- The words "Hazardous Waste"
- Contents of the container
- Name and address of the generator
- Hazardous properties of the waste
- Physical state (e.g., liquid, solid, gas)
- Starting date for waste accumulation
- Maintain proper emergency equipment
- Maintain a current contingency plan
- Provide training to employees
- Keep accurate disposal and training records
- Limit on-site storage to regulatory limits
- Select appropriate treatment methods for hazardous wastes
- Use only authorized hazardous waste disposal facilities
- Whenever possible, eliminate, reduce and recycle wastes
- Prepare a source reduction plan or checklist as required
For additional information about these requirements contact a Specialist at 909.386.8401.
Recyclable Materials Reporting
If your facility recycles any amount of waste (on site or off site) you must complete and submit a Recyclable Materials Reporting Form. This form shows how much, what type, and which recycling method you are using for the material you are recycling. An approved copy of this form must be in our office if you are using recycling to meet the exemption under Tiered Permitting. Contact your inspector for instructions.
SB 14 (Hazardous Waste Source Reduction Plan)
If your facility routinely generates 12,000 kilograms (26,400 pounds or 3,300 gallons) of a hazardous waste in a reporting year (e.g., 2010) you must complete a Source Reduction Evaluation Review and Plan, a Hazardous Waste Management Performance Report, and complete and submit a Summary Progress Report before the following September 1 (e.g., September 1, 2011). These documents will guide you into looking at your facility and finding ways to reduce waste. Exclusions apply to automotive fluids, cleanup soil, and several other types of wastes. Small businesses may complete a shorter form. Go to the web site of the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) to get more information and the forms and instructions.
Your inspector can answer many general pollution prevention questions, but if you need more information on specific types of pollution prevention for different industries contact the Western Sustainability and Pollution Prevention Network.
Universal Waste
Universal wastes are hazardous wastes that are more common, pose a lower risk to people and the environment, and are generated by a wide variety of people rather than by the industrial businesses that primarily generate other hazardous wastes. Federal and State regulations identify universal wastes and provide simple rules for handling, recycling, and disposing of them. The regulations, called the “Universal Waste Rule,” are in the California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 4.5, Chapter 23. The most common universal wastes are non-automotive batteries, fluorescent tubes, cathode ray tube (CRT) materials, consumer electronic devices, non-empty aerosol cans, and mercury switches. All universal wastes are hazardous wastes and, without the new rules, they would have to be managed under the same stringent standards as other hazardous wastes. Unlawful disposal of a Universal Waste carries all of the consequences that the unlawful disposal of a hazardous waste in the State of California. More information on managing Universal Wastes is available on the Department of Toxic Substances Control Universal Waste Page.