Hazardous Waste
Certified
Unified Program Agency (CUPA)
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.
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 these four characteristics, then it is considered to be hazardous:
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Ignitable
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Reactive
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Corrosive
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Toxic
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.
Hazardous Waste Generator Responsibilities
Please refer to
Hazardous Waste…
the Basics, a guidance manual for small and medium-sized
businesses in Orange County. For more information regarding
hazardous waste generator responsibilities, codes, and
regulations please
click here for a Hazardous Waste Specialist in your area.
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