The majority of businesses that generate less than 27 gallons or 200 lbs of hazardous waste monthly qualify as a Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generation (CESQG).  Some of the more common businesses included in this group are:

• Painters
• Printers
• Artists
• Labs
• Property Managers
• Vehicle Repair and Body Shops
• Garden and Landscape Contractors
• Pest Control Companies

It can be expensive and difficult to dispose of hazardous chemicals such as paint, motor oil, solvents, and acids. It is illegal to dispose of these materials into the garbage or by means of washing them down drains. Materials used by the above groups are categorized as hazardous waste and require special handling and disposal. Local Enforcement Agencies require documentation that these types of waste have been managed and disposed of properly.

Register as a CESQG

Information

When calling to register your business as a CESQG, the following information will be required:

• Name, address, and phone number of your business.
• Amount of waste generated per month and per year.
• Chemical name or trade name of the waste.
• Amount of waste that was generated and any possible contaminants.
• Size, type, and number of containers that the waste will be brought in.
• Percentage of chemical constituents in the waste.
• Your EPA ID number.

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) is often the best source of information regarding the potentially hazardous products you use. MSDSs are typically available from the product suppliers.

Fee Information

Your costs will be directly dependent on the types of waste being brought in, please refer to the current price list by material below:  For those business that generated their waste within the City of Elk Grove, no Administrative Fee will be charged.

It is the customer’s responsibility to know the local, state, and federal regulations regarding the storage, disposal, and transportation of hazardous waste.

Tips for Reducing Hazardous Waste Generated

• Train employees on proper hazardous materials management and waste reduction.
• Keep shops clean and orderly to eliminate any leaks and spills.
• Install drip plates, pans or trays to catch excess drippings.
• Estimate and use only the amount of materials needed for a job.
• Stay within legal discharge limits for all waste effluents.
• Evaluate the waste stream for potential in-plant treatment and recycling.
• Segregate wastes to allow for easier recycling.
• Substitute feedstock materials with those having less hazardous ingredients.
• For large volumes of solvent wastes, install on-site distillation units.
• Apply flow restriction devices like pH-controlled and pressure-controlled shutoff valves.
• Use high-volume, low-pressure spray guns for painting operations.
• Develop working relationships with single vendors to facilitate “deals” on bulk purchases and to return old, off specification products.
• Keep aware of new technologies and regulatory requirements.
• Work with other similar businesses to form a cooperative to reduce disposal costs and support development of non-proprietary treatment technologies.

CESQG Forms and Documents

• Small business HHW Brochure
• EPA ID number
• HHW Map/Directions
• Recycling and Waste Home Page
• CESQG Drop-Off Form

Frequently Asked Questions

How much hazardous material can my business generate per month and still qualify?

• Less than 220 pounds (Approximately 27 gallons of liquid), of most hazardous chemicals.
• Less than 2.2 pounds (Approximately 1 quart of liquid), of certain original unused products, e.g. acutely hazardous wastes.
• Less than 110 pounds (Approximately 13 gallons of liquid), of perchloroethylene per month.

Appointments to deliver hazardous materials to the SWCC for proper disposal/recycling are scheduled every Wednesday.  Businesses will be asked for the types and amounts of waste that are generated in order to determine if the business qualifies for the program.  Upon qualification an appointment will be scheduled.

Can I store hazardous materials?

A CESQG with less than 100 kilograms (220 pounds or 27 gallons of liquid) may store their hazardous waste.  Once 100 kg of waste is accumulated, it may be stored for up to 90 days.  After 90 days, you must then send your waste to a licensed recycling or disposal facility (California Health and Safety Code, Section 25123.3).

May I transport hazardous materials?

California allows for the self-hauling of up to 15 gallons (125 pounds) of hazardous waste at one time.  With the only exception being for used oil; in which case you may transport up to 55 gallons of used oil at a time.  Bring waste in a non-leaking, preferably original container(s).  Additionally, be sure to transport all wastes away from the passenger area of your vehicle, to avoid potential health and safety risks.

What is an EPA ID Number?

State law requires hazardous waste generators to have an EPA identification Number. For more information about EPA ID numbers, click on the links or call CalEPA Department of Toxic Substance Control at 1-800-618-6942.  You will need your ID number to schedule an appointment to use the drop-off wastes.