Every day, a large amount of waste is generated by the manufacturing, healthcare, and construction industries. Much of this waste is hazardous and needs to be disposed of correctly to avoid harming people and the environment. To ensure proper “cradle to grave” management of hazardous and regulated waste, an organization needs to have a hazardous waste management program. Introducing a comprehensive hazardous waste management software solution can greatly benefit all aspects of a hazardous waste management program—from transportation and treatment to storage and disposal. This article will further explore some of these benefits and how using such software can help organizations stay compliant with federal and state laws governing the disposal of hazardous and regulated waste.

4 Benefits of Using Hazardous/Regulated Waste Management Software

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1.     Facilitating accurate management of hazardous and regulated waste.

Hazardous/regulated waste management software enables the implementation of cost-effective and environmentally sound waste disposal solutions. An extensive hazardous waste management software that allows users to track their waste inventory in real-time can make it easier to control waste disposal containers as they pass through the hazardous waste management system. This is accomplished through barcodes or RFID tags generated for each container which, when scanned with a mobile device, automatically connects employees to the archived inventory data in the system. This data can be categorized by waste type and container contents.

2.     Ensuring proper regulatory compliance.

Using hazardous/regulated waste management software helps organizations stay compliant with federal and state regulations. Hazardous waste management systems need to comply with the framework set up by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). This is the principal federal law that governs hazardous and non-hazardous solid waste disposal in the United States. Cutting-edge software should allow for the automation of all legal paperwork, as well as the easy exportation of statutory reports to the applicable state and federal government agencies.

3.     Streamlining and automating all processes.

Hazardous waste management encompasses numerous processes. The right software will allow managers to streamline and automate all processes in one centralized system, giving a macro view of the entire operation. Some of the processes that can be automated include invoicing and quotations, consignment tracking, waste classification and documentation, site assessments, and PPE requirements.

4.     Guaranteeing faster and more accurate data entry.

While manual data entry might suffice for smaller hazardous and regulated waste disposal programs, enterprise-level organizations cannot scale without automation. Enterprise-level hazardous/regulated waste management software enables the seamless import of large amounts of data, reducing the amount of time spent on data entry and greatly reducing the risk of errors. Quotations for hazardous waste pickup can also be cloned and adapted to the system. This significantly speeds up processing and ensures that containers designated for treatment and disposal are quickly processed.

A hazardous waste management module can help companies manage all aspects of their waste disposal program. Whether this includes repurposing industrial waste, implementing a zero waste policy, or staying compliant with all state and federal regulations, powerful software can help with the efficient development and administration of hazardous waste management programs.

Additionally, combining this tool with software for the management of other EH&S operations (such as chemical inventory, radiation safety, or biosafety management) gives managers a macro view of every component within an EH&S program and optimizes the decisions made when carrying out internal processes.

Author Bio

The SafetyStratus Research Advisory Group (RAG) brings together thought leaders from the global environmental, health, and safety community to promote best practices and provide key insights in the profession and the industries they serve. The Research Advisory Group also advocates, where practical, the intersection of and advances with the use of technology, such as the SafetyStratus enterprise EHS software platform. Group membership consists of representatives from across varied disciplines and market sectors as well as select members of the SafetyStratus team.
The primary objectives of the SafetyStratus RAG partnership are to:

• Build a strategic partnership between EHS practitioners and the SafetyStratus team.
• Provide engaging and practical content to the global EHS community.
• Provide discipline and market feedback specific to SafetyStratus products and services.

While the objectives of the RAG are varied, the primary public-facing outcome will be available through engaging and practical content found on the SafetyStratus resource pages. Various articles, papers, and other valuable resources will be produced and shared as part of an ongoing effort to cultivate a robust community. Ultimately, the SafetyStratus RAG will expand to have a broader reach and provide opportunities for more inclusion by all interested EHS professionals a collaborative community environment.