The Environmental Health Division implements the Hazardous Waste Inspection Program throughout Orange County. The purpose of this program is to ensure that all hazardous wastes generated by Orange County businesses are properly handled, recycled, treated, stored and disposed.
Specialists in this program inspect facilities that generate hazardous waste, evaluate hazardous waste generating industries, investigate reports of illegal hazardous waste disposal, and respond to emergency spills of hazardous chemicals. Specialists also participate in public education programs designed to inform industries and residents about the laws and regulations relating to safe disposal of hazardous waste.
A resource for small and medium-sized businesses in Orange County
The purpose of this manual is to provide the reader with a quick and simple reference regarding hazardous waste. It covers basic concepts that businesses generating, storing or disposing of hazardous waste need to know.
What is Hazardous Waste?
Hazardous wastes may be liquid, solid or sludge. The wastes may be the by-products of manufacturing processes or simply unwanted commercial products. If the waste has any of the below characteristics, then it is considered to be hazardous.
- Toxic
- Reactive
- Ignitable
- Corrosive
Treatment of Hazardous Wastes
Treatment means any method, technique or process which changes the physical, chemical or biological character or composition of a hazardous waste, or removes or reduces its harmful properties or characteristics. Businesses planning to treat hazardous waste on-site must notify the CUPA by completing a notification form and obtaining authorization from the CUPA. Specialists will conduct inspections of treatment facilities.
