Common Hazardous Waste Violations in Canada and How to Avoid Them

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Managing hazardous waste in Canada requires strict adherence to federal and provincial regulations. Failure to comply can lead to penalties, fines, and environmental damage. To help you stay compliant, we’ve outlined some of Canada’s most common hazardous waste violations and how to avoid them.

1. Improper Labeling and Storage

The Violation: Hazardous waste must be properly labelled and stored in appropriate containers. Labels should clearly identify the waste type, hazards, and necessary precautions. Failure to comply can lead to leaks, spills, and worker safety concerns.

How to Avoid It:

  • Use approved, leak-proof containers for storage.
  • Clearly label containers with proper hazard symbols and waste descriptions.
  • Ensure labels remain visible and legible throughout the storage period.
  • Train employees on proper handling, labelling, and storage protocols.

2. Failure to Maintain Accurate Documentation

The Violation: Incomplete or missing records for hazardous waste generation, transport, and disposal can result in fines and legal issues. Regulations require detailed manifests and tracking of waste movement.

How to Avoid It:

  • Keep up-to-date waste manifests and disposal records.
  • Use approved software or tracking systems to document waste generation, storage, transport, and disposal.
  • Retain records for the duration required by local regulations (often 2-5 years).

3. Illegal Disposal or Transport of Hazardous Waste

The Violation: Transporting hazardous waste without proper permits or disposing it in unauthorized locations can lead to severe penalties. This includes improper disposal in landfills or down drains.

How to Avoid It:

  • Work only with certified hazardous waste transporters and disposal facilities.
  • Ensure proper permits and paperwork are in place for waste transport.
  • Conduct regular audits to verify compliance with disposal regulations.

4. Exceeding Storage Time Limits

The Violation: Regulations specify how long hazardous waste can be stored onsite. Exceeding these time limits can result in violations and increased cleanup costs.

How to Avoid It:

  • Know your province’s hazardous waste storage duration limits.
  • Implement a waste management schedule to monitor storage times and arrange timely disposal.
  • Regularly inspect your facility to ensure no waste exceeds allowed storage limits

5. Failure to Train Employees

The Violation: Inadequate training for employees handling hazardous waste can lead to safety incidents and non-compliance. Regulations require that all staff involved in hazardous waste management receive proper training.

How to Avoid It:

  • Provide mandatory training programs for all employees handling hazardous materials.
  • Cover key topics such as identification, labelling, handling, storage, and emergency procedures.
  • Update training annually or whenever new materials or processes are introduced.

6. Inadequate Spill Prevention and Response Plans

The Violation: Facilities that fail to develop and implement a spill prevention and response plan risk environmental contamination and legal consequences.

How to Avoid It:

  • Create a spill prevention and response plan tailored to your operations.
  • Equip facilities with spill kits and emergency response tools.
  • Train employees on spill prevention techniques and response procedures.
  • Regularly inspect equipment and storage areas to prevent leaks or spills.

7. Improper Waste Classification

The Violation: Misclassifying hazardous waste can lead to incorrect handling, transport, or disposal, which increases risks for safety violations and fines.

How to Avoid It:

  • Regularly test and classify waste based on federal and provincial standards.
  • Consult hazardous waste classification guidelines to determine proper categories.
  • Partner with experienced waste management professionals for accurate classification.

How Global Hazmat Can Help

At Global Hazmat, we understand the complexities of hazardous waste management in Canada. Our team offers:

  • Compliance Consulting: Guidance on labelling, storage, and regulatory compliance.
  • Training Programs: Custom employee training to ensure safety and compliance.
  • Hazardous Waste Management Solutions: Support for waste classification, transportation, and disposal.

Avoiding hazardous waste violations not only protects the environment but also ensures your business remains compliant and avoids costly fines.

Contact Global Hazmat today to learn how we can help you manage hazardous waste efficiently and responsibly.