Hazardous Waste Disposal Procedures

Purpose

Define proper disposal procedures for hazardous waste generated by Spartan Plumbing operations, ensuring compliance with Ohio EPA regulations.

Disposing of used chemicals (drain cleaner, pipe cement, primer, flux)
Disposing of old water heaters, pipes, or fixtures containing hazardous materials
Handling and disposing of materials contaminated with sewage or chemicals
Any time you are unsure whether a waste product requires special handling

Separate hazardous waste from regular trash — they cannot go in the same container

Hazardous waste includes: chemical containers, flux residue, pipe cement/primer containers, contaminated rags, old solder

Non-hazardous recyclable materials: clean copper pipe, brass fittings, metal fixtures — these go to scrap recycling

Empty containers with residue: allow to dry fully, then dispose per local regulations

Partially full containers: do NOT pour down drains, storm drains, or on the ground

Return partially used chemicals to the shop for proper storage or disposal

Aerosol cans must be completely depressurized before disposal

Old water heaters: return to the shop for proper recycling/disposal

Old galvanized or lead pipe: bag separately, return to shop, label as potential lead-containing

Old fixtures with potential asbestos insulation: do not disassemble — return intact to the shop

Materials contaminated with raw sewage (gloves, rags, boot covers) should be double-bagged

Dispose of in designated waste containers — not regular trash at a customer's home

Do NOT leave sewage-contaminated waste in a customer's trash can

Used chemicals and partially empty containers

Old water heaters and major appliances

Potential hazardous materials (old pipe with lead solder, asbestos-suspect materials)

Scrap metal for recycling

When in doubt, bring it back to the shop — do not dispose of anything you are unsure about at a customer's home
Ohio EPA fines for improper hazardous waste disposal can be significant
Never pour any chemical down a storm drain — this is illegal and harmful
Keep your truck clean of accumulated waste — return materials to the shop regularly