With waste management being an extremely complex and increasingly important aspect of chemical distribution, we’re pleased to introduce a new two-part NACD U course that aims to clean up any confusion about this topic and its myriad rules and requirements.
The course is split into two very distinct parts— the first providing an overview on managing solid waste with the second focusing exclusively on hazardous waste. It’s ideal for anyone starting to deal with this issue or who needs a refresher.
These online modules—developed by Pete Downing, President of NACD’s strategic partner, Environment & Safety Solutions— draw on Pete’s many decades of experience in understanding the nuances of waste management issues. Over the course of each 30-minute session, Downing unravels the complexities of reducing and managing waste streams as well as handling, labeling, and dealing with inspections.
“Although these sessions can be taken separately, we’d recommend taking both because they dovetail so closely,” he says. “We’ve been seeing a big change in how people handle their waste over the last 60 years and attitudes are very different now. Today, every facet of waste management has to be carefully managed, tracked, and followed from the point of generation to the point of either disposal or destruction.”
The first session considers the history of waste; it looks at pollution and groundwater contamination, how the number of laws have increased over the years, and the different regulations that have been developed. It also examines how to identify solid waste and its various sub-categories, including industrial waste (for example bags, packaging, and used drums), universal waste (fluorescent light bulbs, aerosols, items containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), mercury, and so on), and electronic waste (such as computers, monitors, and circuit boards).
Another important element, he says, highlights how companies should determine whether something should be classed as a ‘waste’ product in the first place.
“This is one of the biggest product problems facing companies as once you give it that label, it’s hard to go back. Ask yourself whether it could be put to another use or could be sold for a different purpose,” he says. “At what stage should you consider that product off-spec or a lower grade rather than classifying it as waste?”
Part two focuses exclusively on hazardous waste and its potential impact on the environment and your community. Here, participants will learn about the various hazardous waste categories and how to properly manage them – from storage and transportation through to the inspection requirements and land disposal restrictions.
“The courses also complement the waste management, emergency response, and sustainability components of the NACD Responsible Distribution® program,” he says.
“If you’re handling any hazardous waste at all, you’re required to complete annual training, so why not make use of this great resource? It could save significant funds by doing training online rather than conducting in-person training with a hired external vendor or sending your team off-site for in-person guidance.”
“The great thing about these courses is that with minor modifications, they could be used as in-house training for your employees and help you meet the requirements under the hazardous waste regulations. If you were to add information about your facilities and specific elements about the waste you generate – like where you store it and how it’s inspected and handled – you can comply with all the requirements.”
If you missed our recent webinar Managing Solid and Hazardous Waste, you can access the webinar recording here.
To find out more about NACD U and the range of courses available, visit https://www.nacd.com/education-meetings/education/online-education/nacd-u/
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