1. Purpose
This plan establishes procedures for the safe handling, storage, transportation, and disposal of solid and hazardous waste generated by ESCO Group at the Marion, Iowa office. The objectives are to:
· Protect worker health and safety
· Comply with applicable environmental regulations
· Minimize environmental impact
· Follow applicable Iowa requirements for solid and hazardous waste
Regulatory & Reference Basis
· The business makes a report detailing the circumstances of any violations of a federal or state environmental protection statute, regulation, or rule within the previous five years. (Note: We do not believe ESCO Group generates hazardous waste at this location or has any such violations; this is included as a reference requirement.)
· If the business generates solid or hazardous waste, the business conducts in-house audits and management plans to reduce the amount of waste and to safely dispose of the waste. In lieu of conducting in-house audits, a business may authorize the Iowa Department of Natural Resources or the Iowa Waste Reduction Center (Iowa Code section 268.4) to provide the audits.
· Iowa Code (reference): https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/ico/chapter/15A.pdf
2. Types of Waste Generated
2.1 Solid (Non-Hazardous) Waste
· Scrap wire and cable insulation
· Packaging materials (cardboard, plastic wrap)
· Wood pallets
· General trash
2.2 Hazardous Waste
· Spent batteries (lithium-ion, lead-acid)
· Fluorescent and HID lamps (contain mercury)
· Ballasts (may contain PCBs in older units)
· Solvents, cleaners, and adhesives
· Paints and coatings
· Oily rags and absorbents
· Electronic waste (circuit boards, components)
3. Waste Minimization Practices
· Order materials accurately to reduce excess
· Use prefabrication where possible
· Reuse pallets
· Substitute less hazardous materials when feasible
· Train employees on waste reduction techniques
4. Waste Segregation
| Waste Type | Container | Labeling |
| Scrap metal | Designated bin | “Scrap Metal – Recycle” |
| Cardboard / plastic | Recycling bin | “Recyclables” |
| General trash | Trash bin | “Non-Recyclable Waste” |
| Hazardous waste | Approved containers | “Hazardous Waste” + contents |
5. Storage Procedures
Solid Waste
· Stored in designated bins
· Removed regularly to prevent overflow
Hazardous Waste
· Stored in approved, sealed containers
· Clearly labeled with:
- Contents
- Hazard warnings
- Accumulation start date
· Kept in a secure, ventilated area
· Secondary containment used where required
6. Handling Procedures
· Only trained personnel handle hazardous materials
· Use appropriate PPE:
- Gloves
- Safety glasses
- Respirators (if required)
· Avoid mixing incompatible wastes
· Immediately clean up spills using spill kits
7. Transportation and Disposal
· Use licensed waste haulers for hazardous waste
· Maintain manifests and disposal records
· Dispose of waste at approved facilities
· Recycle materials whenever possible (e.g., copper wire, metals)
8. Emergency Procedures
In case of a spill or exposure:
1. Stop work immediately
2. Isolate the area
3. Use spill containment materials
4. Notify supervisor
5. Follow SDS (Safety Data Sheet) instructions
6. Report incident per company policy
Emergency contacts must be posted at each job site.
9. Training
All employees will receive training on:
· Waste identification
· Proper disposal methods
· Hazard communication (SDS)
· Spill response procedures
Training is conducted:
· At hire
· When new hazards are introduced
10. Inspections and Compliance
· Monthly audits of waste storage areas
· Maintain records of:
- Waste disposal
- Training logs
- Inspection reports
11. Roles and Responsibilities
Project Manager
· Ensure compliance with plan
· Coordinate waste disposal
Site Supervisor
· Enforce segregation and labeling
· Conduct inspections
Employees
· Follow procedures
· Report hazards or spills immediately
12. Documentation and Recordkeeping
Maintain the following:
· Waste manifests
· Disposal receipts
· SDS sheets
· Training records
· Inspection logs
Optional Add-On (Good Practice)
· Partner with recycling vendors for copper and wire recovery
· Track waste metrics to improve sustainability