Business, School, Municipal and Organizational Hazardous Waste

​What does my Business need to know about Hazardous Waste?
​In general, any substance that would cause harm if released into the environment is considered a Hazardous Waste.  This includes cleaning products, automotive fluids, pesticides, make-up remover, painting products and more.  Waste should be treated as hazardous if it exhibits one or more of four hazardous waste characteristics:
  • Is it ignitable? – Is it flammable or explosive?
  • Is it corrosive? – Might the substance burn the skin or eyes, or degrade the material used to contain it?
  • Is it reactive? – Might it become a threat if combined with another material?  (Like Bleach and Ammonia, which form a toxic gas.)
  • Is it toxic? – Is it poisonous if touched, ingested, or inhaled?
If a substance meets any of these characteristics, it is a hazardous waste.  Most hazardous materials will have a warning label that identifies them as: Dangerous, Toxic, Flammable, Caustic, or Poisonous.  But a label is not always available, so use common sense is assessing your waste materials.  If you think something is hazardous, it probably is. 

Does my business generate Hazardous Waste?
Some businesses generate hazardous waste in notable quantities, such as  dry cleaners or auto body shops. However, most businesses generate small quantities of hazardous waste (cleaning products, painting projects, etc.)  Any amount of hazardous waste generated by a business, however small the amount, needs to be registered and handled according to specific safety handling requirements. 
 
Businesses that generate small amounts of incidental hazardous waste are Very Small Quantity Generators (VSQGs).  CEGs tend to be small businesses that produce limited amounts of hazardous waste, and are consequently subject only to basic hazardous waste handling requirements. 

What is a Conditionally Exempt Generator (CEG)?
To be conditionally exempt, a generator must:
  • generate less than 220 pounds of “hazardous” waste per month,
  • generate less than 2.2 pounds of “acutely hazardous” waste per month, and
  • have less than 2,200 pounds of accumulated hazardous waste.

How do I register as a CEG?
In order to dispose of hazardous waste, your business must be registered with the VT Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and hold an EPA Site Identification Number (often referred to as a “VSQG number.”)  Click here to register as a VSQG,  or call 802-522-0261.
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How do I dispose of hazardous waste as a CEG in central Vermont?
The Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District (CVSWMD) offers special collections between spring and fall every year. Collections are open to residents and VSQGs in all member towns. More info on Household Hazardous Waste. VSQGs bringing hazardous waste to these events must have their EPA Site Identification Number, and must pre-register (no later than 1 week prior to the event) by contacting the CVSWMD HHW Program Coordinator at 802-229-9383 ext.115.   Alternately, a VSQG could hire a licensed HHW contractor, to remove waste.