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

The instructor was very knowledgeable and provided pertinent information above and beyond the questions that were asked.

Johnny Barton

Logistics Coordinator

I will never go anywhere, but to Lion Technology.

Dawn Swofford

EHS Technician

The instructor was very very informative, helpful, understandable and pleasant. This course answered many questions I had, being new to this industry.

Frances Mona

Shipping Manager

The training was impressive. I am not a fan of online training but this was put together very well. I would recommend Lion to others.

Donnie James

Quality Manager

I chose Lion's online webinar because it is simple, effective, and easily accessible.

Jeremy Bost

Environmental Health & Safety Technician

The instructor does a great job at presenting material in an approachable way. I have been able to save my company about $30,000 in the last year with what I have learned from Lion!

Curtis Ahonen

EHS&S Manager

The course is well thought out and organized in a way that leads to a clearer understanding of the total training.

David Baily

Hazmat Shipping Professional

This training broke down the regulations in an easy-to-understand manner and made them less overwhelming. I now feel I have the knowledge to make more informed decisions.

Amanda Oswald

Shipping Professional

You blew the doors off the competition!

Stephen Bieschke

Facilities Manager

The instructor was excellent. They knew all of the material without having to read from a notepad or computer.

Gary Hartzell

Warehouse Supervisor

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

What to do before, during, and after a RCRA hazardous waste inspection to defend your site from rising State and Federal penalties.

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.