Search

Hazardous Waste ID Mistakes Lead to $26M Fine for Cable Provider

Posted on 12/16/2015 by Roger Marks

The Attorney General of California has issued a decision to fine a major cable company nearly $26 million for violating Federal and State hazardous waste regulations. The company manages many wastes regulated as hazardous under the State Health and Safety Code (HSC)—from electronic equipment like cable boxes, modems, and remote controls to batteries, lamps, and scrap metal; as well as products like adhesives, paints, lighter fluid, and lubricants.

Failure to Identify Hazardous and Universal Waste

According to the complaint, the company violated a bevy of Federal and State hazardous waste regulations. One violation, however, stands above the rest as particularly crucial: failure to make a hazardous waste determination.

By not identifying these wastes as hazardous, the business was not prepared to manage and dispose of them in line with the California Code of Regulations (CCR) or the State HSC. Because a hazardous waste determination was never made, nearly everything the company did with the waste was a violation of a Federal and/or State regulation.



Subsequent Violations of 22 CCR and the California HSC

After failing to identify the wastes as hazardous, the company committed these subsequent violations:
  • Not obtaining a US EPA ID number required for hazardous waste generators;
  • Storage and accumulation time limits;
  • Improper container marking and labeling;
  • Transportation and hazardous waste Manifest violations;
  • Failure to train personnel as required by 22 CCR 66265.16;
  • Violations of California’s unique universal waste rules;
  • Recordkeeping and reporting violations; and
  • Improper disposal of hazardous and universal waste. 

The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) released a statement applauding the enforcement action. The $25.95 million penalty highlights the importance of understanding the regulations that apply to your waste, especially in California where hazardous waste generators are subject to both Federal RCRA rules and unique, state-specific standards.

The complaint also includes violations of privacy rules stemming from failure to properly handle and dispose of customer records.   

Convenient, Interactive Title 22 Training

Environmental managers in California face some of the most stringent and complex requirements in the nation. The DTSC requires hazardous waste personnel to complete training on the State requirements annually. To help managers and personnel meet this training requirement and build their confidence navigating the web of laws, regulations, and interpretations that drive hazardous waste enforcement in the state, Lion now offers the Hazardous Waste in California Online Course.  

Tags: California, DTSC, hazardous waste, RCRA, universal waste

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

I really enjoyed this training. Even after years on both sides of the comprehension coin, I find myself still learning! The quality of the delivery exceeded much of the training I have received in the past.

Neil Ozonur

Safety Officer

Lion's training was by far the best online RCRA training I've ever taken. It was challenging and the layout was great!

Paul Harbison

Hazardous Waste Professional

I tried other environmental training providers, but they were all sub-standard compared to Lion. I will not stray from Lion again!

Sara Sills

Environmental Specialist

No comparison. Lion has the best RCRA training ever!!

Matt Sabine

Environmental Specialist

One of the best trainings I have ever received!

Brandon Morfin

EH&S Manager

Excellent job. Made what is very dry material interesting. Thoroughly explained all topics in easy-to-understand terms.

David Hertvik

Vice President

The instructor kept the class engaged and made learning fun. There was a lot of information to cover but time flew by. I will definitely use Lion in the future!

Chelsea Minguela

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Lion provided an excellent introduction to environmental regulations, making the transition to a new career as an EHS specialist less daunting of a task. Drinking from a fire hose when the flow of water is lessened, is much more enjoyable!

Stephanie Weathers

SHE Specialist

This was the 1st instructor that has made the topic actually enjoyable and easy to follow and understand. Far better than the "other" training providers our company has attended!

Lori Hardy

Process & Resource Administrator

I used the IT support number available and my issue was resolved within a few minutes. I don't see anything that could have made it better.

Danny Province

EHS Professional

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

This report details major changes for hazardous waste generators from US EPA’s Generator Improvements Rule, as well as the latest updates from states that are still working to adopt new, stricter Federal requirements.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.