As defined in the California Health & Safety Code § 25218.1 and the Code of Federal Regulations (40 CFR 261.5), a business qualifies as a CESQG provided they do not generate/accumulate more than 100 kilograms (220 pounds or approximately 27 gallons) of a hazardous waste, or 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) of an acutely hazardous waste in a calendar month. Typically, small businesses fall into this category and, except for some specific wastes listed in the code, their hazardous wastes are not subject to certain regulations including the notification requirements of Section 3010 of the Resource Conservation & Recovery Act (RCRA).
Businesses are expected to pay for hazardous waste disposal. However, CESQG programs offer significantly reduced disposal costs versus paying a permitted environmental contractor to dispose of the waste. Typically, each waste stream type has an established disposal cost and businesses are charged on a per pound or per gallon basis. A small administrative fee may also be incurred. Disposal costs may be tax deductible and long-term liability for final disposition of the waste is assumed by the sponsoring agency. Additionally, some cities subsidize a portion of the disposal costs for CESQGs within their respective jurisdictions to encourage participation and make this program even more affordable.
A business must qualify as a CESQG prior to participating in any program. Usually, a simple questionnaire is provided by the host jurisdiction, or a environmental contractor, which must be completed and returned for review before any hazardous waste can be accepted for disposal. The type and quantity of waste(s) the business wants to dispose of is reported on this questionnaire. If the business qualifies as a CESQG, a disposal cost estimate based on the type and quantity of the materials reported is provided along with an appointment time to deliver the waste to the receiving facility. The waste is weighed at the receiving facility on a certified scale for accuracy and recorded with the disposal cost for the business and the agency’s records. Payment is usually required at the time of service unless prior arrangements have been made.
To obtain the proper form(s) and schedule an appointment to dispose of your hazardous waste, contact the company listed below for your area:
· Unincorporated Ventura County businesses, and businesses located in the cities of Ojai, Santa Paula, and Fillmore, should call Stericycle Environmental Solutions at 800-714-1195
· Camarillo, Oxnard, and Port Hueneme businesses call Clean Harbors Environmental Services at 805-987-0717
· Oxnard and Port Hueneme businesses may also dispose of antifreeze, batteries, oil, oil filters, fluorescent light tubes, and latex paint at the Del Norte Recycling Center 805-278-8200
· City of Thousand Oaks businesses should contact Clean Harbors Environmental Services, Inc. at 805-987-0717 or visit www.toaks.org/GoGreen for on-line processing support
· City of Ventura businesses should call 805-652-4525