How Do You Dispose of Empty Drums That Contained Hazardous Materials?
Disposing of drums that contained hazardous materials can be a bit of a headache; you can’t simply put them out by the curb and have them picked up with the rest of your waste. Thankfully, there is a solution: we can help you dispose of empty drums that contained hazardous materials. We provide several options for disposing of stainless steel drums and even recycling them for continued use.
What Qualifies as Hazardous Material in the Context of Drum Disposal?
Hazardous materials in the context of drum disposal are substances that pose potential risks to health, safety, or the environment. These include flammable, corrosive, reactive, toxic, or infectious substances. Chemicals that can cause harm if inhaled, ingested, or come into contact with skin, as well as materials harmful to the environment, fall under this category. Identifying the hazardous nature of the contents originally stored in the drums is essential for proper disposal.
How Should You Handle Empty Drums That Contained Hazardous Materials?
While many companies throw away used plastic, fiber, and steel drums, there are typically rules in place about how to get rid of them because they have often been used to hold dangerous or environmentally damaging materials. Going through the hassle to legally dispose of used drums is often more costly and time-consuming than working with a drum recycling company. Orlando Drum accepts used drums from all kinds of industries and also provides pick-up services for Florida or Georgia companies that don’t have the means of transporting large quantities of used drums.
If the containers comply with the federally regulated definition of “empty,” they do not need to be managed as hazardous waste. Ignition, reactivity or contamination can still occur even in drums with residue from hazardous waste so caution is advised. Drum recycling facilities can take care of your hazardous materials containers with relative ease. Even if there is residual waste in the drum, tank or portable waste tote, the right facilities will know how to handle them with care. Just be sure to label the kind of waste that was previously in the container.
Can I Reuse or Repurpose These Drums for Other Uses?
Reusing or repurposing drums that held hazardous materials is possible but requires careful consideration. The drums must be thoroughly cleaned and decontaminated to remove any residue of the hazardous material. It’s important to ensure that the previous contents do not pose a risk for the new intended use, especially if the drums are repurposed for storing food, water, or other sensitive materials.
What Are the Penalties for Improper Disposal of Hazardous Material Drums?
Penalties for the improper disposal of hazardous material drums can be severe, including substantial fines and legal consequences. These penalties are in place to deter practices that could harm human health or the environment. The exact nature of the penalties varies depending on the jurisdiction and the severity of the violation.
Disposal Service For Unsalvageable Drums
Not all of the used drums that Orlando Drum picks up will be able to be recycled and sent out for reuse. Depending on the condition, you may need to dispose of empty drums that contained hazardous materials. Drums will typically fall into one of three categories:
- Reusable: Drums that are intact with no holes or severe dents are rust-free and the contents can be rinsed out. Drums that have contained oils, light solvents, food products, and soaps are examples of such products.
- Non-reusable: Drums that have contained paints, resigns, glues, surfactants, or other hard-to-clean materials.
- Crushers: Drums that have holes and are badly dented or top or bottom chime has been compromised.
For all drums and containers that need to be picked up, washed, de-identified, and scrapped, there is an $8.00 charge. There is a $5.00 charge for drums and containers that are dropped off at our location that need to be scrapped or are deemed non-reusable and or non-reconditionable. There is no fee if drums are dropped off at our location and are deemed reusable. Caution: All drums and containers will be refused if they do not have closures in place and are not empty according to CFR 49 (see DOT UN requirements page for definition.)
Drum Pickup For Disposal and Recycling
Transporting hazardous material drums to a disposal facility yourself is possible but you must comply with transportation laws for hazardous materials, which include proper labeling, secure packaging, and having the appropriate vehicle for transport. It’s often recommended to use professional transport services that specialize in hazardous materials for safety and compliance reasons.
Orlando Drum provides free pick-up service for 50 drums or more, but we can also pick up less than 50 drums for a $60.00 charge. If the drums are deemed unusable and impossible to recondition and need to be washed, de-identified, and scrapped, there is an $8.00 fee per container.
For customers that buy at least one trailer load of drums a month we will leave a trailer at your property for your convenience. If more than one trailer is needed or you buy less than a load, trailers are available for storage for a small fee of $250 per month. Deliveries in the Orlando area are $60.00 each delivery. Call for a quote if you need a delivery outside the Orlando area. Orlando Drum and Container owns a fleet of tractor-trailers to ensure you get your containers when you need them and when they are promised.
Contact Orlando Drum Today to Discuss Empty Drum Recycling
Orlando Drum has been receiving, reconditioning, and reselling plastic and steel drums in Florida, Georgia, and the Southeastern United States for over 40 years. We are committed to our customers and the environment and make sure that every drum meets current UN standards. If you need to recycle empty 55-gallon drums, or are interested in our pickup, delivery, or disposal services, contact us today.