P2 Business Basics: Material and Waste Storage

Your raw material and waste storage methods can affect your waste generation rate and costs. You may be creating more waste unnecessarily.

Store products in the proper way to preserve shelf life.

• The MSDS establishes proper storage conditions for specific materials. For example, some materials degrade more quickly when exposed to direct sunlight or high temperatures.
• Contact local fire or county health department for special measures required to safely store waste oil & flammable materials

Use funnels for filling containers.

• Reduces the chance for overflows and spills

Cover all materials securely.

• Reduces loss of liquids due to evaporation
• Reduces the chance of spills

Store materials on pallets so that you can easily check for leaks.

• Store drums off concrete floors to reduce the chance of corrosion from moisture
• Store drums on pallets, racks, or shelving located on an impermeable base such as an epoxy-coated concrete pad, inside if possible
• Include secondary containment, such as curbing
• Make certain that potential leaks will not contaminate sewer or storm drain

Keep different wastes separate.

• Mixing wastes may make reusing or recycling impossible
• Mixing hazardous and non-hazardous wastes increases the volume of hazardous wastes and therefore increases disposal costs

Store hazardous waste indoors or in a covered, protected area to prevent exposure to moisture.

• Moisture can increase the volume of your hazardous waste and increase your disposal costs
• Check with your local fire department about proper storage of flammable materials

Label and store wastes according to state and federal regulations.

• Contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Hazardous Waste Program at (573) 751-3176 or your MDNR Regional Office for more information

Avoid using underground tank storage systems.

• Regulations require costly monitoring and testing.

Store hazardous waste in a safe location out of major traffic areas.

• The less activity the better for preventing accidental spills or leaks

Have emergency equipment such as dams and pigs ready for immediate use in case of spills and leaks.

• Train employees to properly use procedures and emergency equipment