Business Hazardous Waste

If your business generates large quantities of hazardous waste, for information please contact the California Department of Toxic Substances Control or San Joaquin County's Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA), which is the Targeted Opportunities to Prevent Pollution in San Joaquin County (TOPPS) organization.

Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generators (CESQGs)

• Overview

• Printable Brochure

• How much hazardous waste may I generate?

• Do I need an appointment?

• What information do I need to register my CESQG?

• What will it cost?

• May I store it?

• May I transport it?

• About EPA ID numbers

Overview

Does your business generate hazardous waste? If your business generates small amounts of hazardous waste, you many have a problem. It is expensive and difficult to dispose of these chemicals, such as paint, motor oil, solvents, and acids. Legally, they don't belong in the trash or down the drain; they are hazardous waste and they must be specially managed and documented. Many businesses have waited for an affordable solution to come along. The Cities and County of San Joaquin are offering just such a solution.

Most businesses that generate less than 27 gallons of hazardous waste a month are Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generators (CESQG). The most common businesses in this group are:

• Painters

• Printers

• Artists

• Builders

• Labs

• Property Managers

• Vehicle Repair and Body Shops

• Garden Contractors

• Pest Control Companies

A CESQG will generate per month:

• Less than 220 pounds of most hazardous chemicals. (Approximately 27 gallons of liquid.)

• Less than 2.2 pounds of certain original, unused products, e.g., acutely hazardous wastes. (Approximately one quart of liquid.)

• Less than 110 pounds of perchloroethylene. (Approximately 13 gallons of liquid.)

By appointment only

Your San Joaquin County Hazardous Waste Program sponsors a CESQG Collection Program. This program offers businesses an affordable alternative for hazardous waste disposal. Prior registration is required.

Appointments are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. Businesses must call  (209) 468-5670 to schedule a time to drop off waste at our new Household Hazardous Waste facility on 7850 R.A. Bridgeford Road in Stockton. We will ask for the types and amounts of waste generated to determine if your business qualifies for the program. If it does, we will schedule an appointment.

When you call to register, the following information is required: 

• Name, address, and phone number of your company.

• How much waste you generate per month, per year.

• Chemical name or trade name of the waste.

• How much waste was generated and any possible contaminants.

• Size, type, and number of containers that the waste will be brought in.

• Percentage of chemical constituents in the waste.

• Your EPA ID number.

Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are often your best source of information regarding the potentially hazardous products you use. MSDSs are available from product suppliers.

What will it cost?

Your costs will depend on your waste types.  Disposal costs may be considerably lower than what you pay now.

It is your responsibility to know the local, state, and federal regulations regarding the storage, disposal, and transportation of hazardous waste.

May I store it?

A CESGQ with less than 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of hazardous waste may store the waste indefinitely. Once you accumulate 100 kg., you may store it up to 90 days. After 90 days, you must send your waste to a licensed recycling or disposal facility (California Health and Safety Code, Section 25123.3).

May I transport it?

California law allows self-haul of up to 15 gallons or 125 pounds of your own hazardous waste at one time. An exception is made for used oil; you may haul up to 55 gallons of used oil at one time.  Bring wastes in non-leaking, preferably original, containers. Transport all wastes away from the passenger area of your vehicle.

EPA ID Numbers

State law requires hazardous waste generators to have an EPA Identification Number. For more information about EPA ID Numbers, call CalEPA Department of Toxic Substances Control at 1-800-618-6942. You do not need an EPA ID Number to use the CESQG Collection Program for the first time, but you do need one to make a second appointment to use the drop-off or pick-up services.

Making Every Day Earth Day!

To locate your nearest recycling or
Household Hazardous Waste Collection
Center, please click www.EARTH911.org or call
1-800-CLEANUP

 
 

San Joaquin County Department of Public Works
Solid Waste Division

Last updated 12/03/2007