Environmental regulations as they apply to material recovery facilities

According to the EPA, it is estimated that 34% of the 250 million tons of trash produced by Americans in 2010 was either recycled or composted. Material recovery facilities (MRFs) are running at or over capacity to manage the amount of solid waste being offered for recycling. This may mean 24 hour operation. Production demands are high and workers often work 12 hour days. Mixed in with the recyclable wastes are car batteries, paints, solvents, oil, infectious waste, appliances and other items that cannot be recycled but have ended up at the MRF. These materials may need to be treated as hazardous or special waste, depending on the waste regulations in the state. In a perfect world these wastes would not be accepted for disposal; however, once accepted the various environmental regulations apply to the MRF. Operations at several MRFs were observed. The findings will be discussed and the environmental regulations that may apply to the MRFs will be identified. In addition to air and wastewater discharge permits, regulations for hazardous waste, special waste and infectious waste may also apply. Refrigerators and freezers containing chlorofluorocarbons are also regulated and additional training and certification is required for the workers removing the chlorofluorocarbons from the unit. Not only do the workers need additional training in the management of hazardous and special wastes but the generators of solid waste offered for recycling should receive additional education about the wastes that can be recycled.