HAZARDOUS WASTE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is an SQG (Small Quantity Generator)?

What does the SQG Program do?

How is this program funded?

What at my business is considered "Hazardous Waste"?

Can I throw my used oil filters into my regular garbage?

I have two locations for my businesses; can I keep all my records together in one location?

I use green tip "environmentally friendly" fluorescent bulbs, can they be put in the regular trash?

I put my used antifreeze directly in with my used oil, is this correct?

I use acetone (or any solvent) on disposable rags and throw them out when they are dry, is this proper disposal method?

What containers need to have labels?

If I take my used oil to an auto parts store for community collection how can I prove it?

How do I dispose of my "household hazardous wastes" such as unwanted pesticides, paints, etc.?

How can I review Brevard County hazardous waste compliance and cleanup records?

Q: What is an SQG (Small Quantity Generator)?

A:  A business, government entity or other facility that generates less than 1000 KG (four to five 55 gallon drums) of hazardous waste in a calendar month. Examples are:
• Vehicle Repair Shops
• Paint and Body Shops
• Dry Cleaners
• Pest Control Companies
• Photo Processors
• Medical Facilities
• Manufacturers

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Q:  What does the SQG Program do?

A:  The primary function of the SQG Program is inspecting facilities to ensure that they properly manage and dispose of hazardous waste. The program also provides information and training to SQG generators and investigates citizen complaints on SQG issues.

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Q:  How is this program funded?

A:  Florida Statute 403 authorizes Local/County governments to impose a surcharge fee up to $50.00 on Business Tax Receipts.

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Q:  What at my business is considered "Hazardous Waste"?

A:  Products containing hazardous materials that have been damaged during shipment, discontinued supplies, products having an expired shelf life, discarded paints, spent solvents, waste degreasers, cleaning compounds, or by products of chemical processes can be considered "hazardous waste". Your business also may have a waste that is listed in the Code of Federal Regulations as being hazardous waste or it may possess one of the following characteristics: Ignitability, Corrosivity, Reactivity, or Toxicity.

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Q:  Can I throw my used oil filters into my regular garbage?

A:  Brevard County’s landfill does not accept used oil filters. You can no longer dispose of used oil filters into your regular garbage. To properly dispose of the filters, they should be completely drained of any free flowing oil (crushed preferably). Place them into a weather tight container marked "Used Oil Filters". You can dispose of these filters in two basic ways:
After containerizing the filters they can be hauled to an approved facility and disposed there. Make sure you get a receipt of the disposal and maintain the receipt at your facility.
You can contract with a specialty hauler to have them haul the filters to the WTF and/or an appropriate facility that they have a contract with. Make sure you receive a receipt documenting the procedure.

The recommended Best Management Practice (BMP) for draining and crushing filters is to "hot drain" the filter for 24 hours. Hot draining filters will minimize the volume of used oil inside the filter, and crushing them will reduce the amount of space used in the container. This can save you quite a bit of money if you are having a private hauler take them. (Check with your filter hauler before crushing). Do not crush filters by driving a vehicle over them! Filter crushers are available through private companies that sell this type of equipment. Label all drums "Used Oil Filters" and keep all receipts from the hauler a minimum of three years to show proof of proper disposal. Store the drum with lid closed inside a containment area to eliminate contamination from rain.

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Q:  I have two locations for my businesses; can I keep all my records together in one location?

A:  No, each location must maintain their own records documenting disposal/recycling process. If you have a different billing location that needs the receipts make a copy for yourself. Keep all records on site for three years.

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Q:  I use green tip "environmentally friendly" fluorescent bulbs, can they be put in the regular trash?

A:  All fluorescent bulbs/devices are considered hazardous waste because they contain the heavy metal Mercury. Green tipped light bulbs may have a smaller amount, but they still contain mercury. Lamps or devices with any mercury must be recycled under the Universal Waste Rule or be counted as a hazardous waste by the generating facility.

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Q:  I put my used antifreeze directly in with my used oil, is this correct?

A:  No, all waste should be stored separately. Never mix any potential hazardous waste with another waste. If the antifreeze happens to be hazardous it would contaminate the entire container of used oil leaving the responsible party with hazardous waste to get rid of, which is much more expensive. Keep all wastes separate with the correct labels.

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Q:  I use acetone (or any solvent) on disposable rags and throw them out when they are dry, is this proper disposal method?

A:  Even though the rags are dry they still contain hazardous waste.   Do not use disposable shop rags in certain processes at your facility. If you do use disposable rags and they are contaminated, they must be stored and disposed of as hazardous waste. To avoid this problem contracting with a uniform/shop towel service may be a better option for limiting your liability. Contracting with a company that will supply you with clean rags on a regular basis may be expensive, but it will save you money in potential fines for improper disposal of hazardous waste. These contractors are permitted by state and local agencies to process/wash the rags, which are considered a recyclable item. Used rags should be placed into a closed-lid container, which is properly labeled for the rag service. They will then pick up and launder the rags. Make sure that you receive receipts, which will serve as your documentation. Keep all receipts for a minimum of three years. Do not mix rags together with different wastes into the same storage container, they may be reactive to one another and become a fire hazard.

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Q:  What containers need to have labels?

A:  All containers that hold waste must have the proper label (e.g. USED OIL, USED OIL FILTERS, USED ANTIFREEZE, HAZARDOUS WASTE). Also, any products used in any process must be labeled properly per OSHA requirements.

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Q:  If I take my used oil to an auto parts store for community collection, how can I prove it?

A:  Keep a logbook at your business that records the date, amount taken and what location the oil was taken to. Used oil is not a hazardous waste as long as it never hits the ground and is properly recycled though a documented process.

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Q:  How do I dispose of my "household hazardous wastes" such as unwanted pesticides, paints, etc.?

A:  The government does not regulate hazardous wastes generated in the home. Hazardous waste exhibits one or more characteristics of ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity or toxicity which make it dangerous. Paint products, pool chemicals, household cleaners, and pesticides are typical examples. When disposed of in the municipal solid waste stream or otherwise improperly managed, these materials have the potential of contaminating the groundwater - our drinking water supply.  To reduce impacts to our groundwater, Brevard County Solid Waste Management Department currently operates three household hazardous waste collection centers.  Please see the Brevard County Solid Waste Management Department Household Hazardous Waste website for further details, including materials accepted, drop-off locations and hours of operation.  Additional information on how you can reduce pollution is available at the stormwater site www.brevstorm.org.

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Q:  How can I review Brevard County hazardous waste compliance and cleanup records?

A:  Brevard County does not maintain files on hazardous waste facilities.  To review records regarding hazardous waste sites in Brevard County, please contact the FDEP Central District Office at (407) 894-7555.

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For petroleum related questions see "Compliance FAQ" and "Remediation FAQ".  For any other questions please call (321) 633-2017.