Hazardous Waste Disposal in Rhode Island
Professional Hazardous Waste Management Services Throughout Rhode Island
Businesses and institutions across Rhode Island generate hazardous waste that requires proper disposal to meet EPA and Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) regulations. From universities to jewelry manufacturing, proper hazardous waste management is essential for compliance, safety, and environmental protection. Hazardous Waste Disposal provides expert waste management services throughout the Ocean State.
Call (800) 582-4833 for Rhode Island hazardous waste disposal services or email info@hazardouswastedisposal.com
Hazardous Waste Services Across Rhode Island
We provide comprehensive hazardous waste disposal services to businesses, industries, institutions, and organizations throughout Rhode Island. Despite being the smallest U.S. state by area, Rhode Island has diverse industries and significant waste management needs.
Major Service Areas in Rhode Island
Providence Metro Area: Comprehensive hazardous waste services for businesses, universities, hospitals, manufacturers, jewelry companies, and commercial operations in Rhode Island's capital and largest city. Providence is the state's economic and cultural center.
Greater Providence: Services for Cranston, Warwick, Pawtucket, East Providence, and surrounding communities in the urban core.
Blackstone Valley: Hazardous waste management for manufacturers and businesses in Woonsocket, Cumberland, Lincoln, and the historic mill towns of northern Rhode Island.
East Bay: Waste disposal services for businesses in Barrington, Bristol, Warren, and East Bay communities.
South County: Services for manufacturers, URI campus, businesses, and coastal operations in Narragansett, South Kingstown, Westerly, and southern Rhode Island.
Newport/Aquidneck Island: Hazardous waste management for Naval facilities, marine industries, tourism operations, and businesses in Newport, Middletown, Portsmouth.
Other Service Areas: We provide hazardous waste disposal services throughout all 5 Rhode Island counties (Providence, Kent, Washington, Bristol, Newport), ensuring Rhode Island businesses have access to reliable, compliant waste management solutions.
Rhode Island Industries We Serve
Rhode Island's economy includes education, healthcare, jewelry manufacturing, defense, marine industries, and technology. We provide specialized hazardous waste management services to all major industries operating throughout the state.
Universities and Educational Institutions
Rhode Island has prestigious universities generating significant laboratory waste despite the state's small size:
Brown University (Providence) is an Ivy League research university with:
Extensive research programs in sciences, engineering, medicine
Warren Alpert Medical School
School of Engineering
Multiple research centers and laboratories
Brown generates laboratory chemicals, research waste, solvents, acids and bases, biological waste, universal waste, and maintenance chemicals.
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) (Providence) is one of the nation's premier art and design schools generating:
Art supplies and materials
Solvents and thinners
Photographic chemicals (though declining with digital photography)
Printmaking chemicals
Ceramics glazes and materials
Sculpture materials
Paint and coating waste
Metal working materials
Various specialty chemicals for artistic processes
RISD's unique position as an art school creates specialized waste streams requiring proper characterization and management.
University of Rhode Island (Kingston/South Kingstown) is Rhode Island's land-grant research university with:
Graduate School of Oceanography (Narragansett Bay Campus)
College of Engineering
College of Pharmacy
College of the Environment and Life Sciences
Agricultural research programs
Marine science research
URI generates laboratory chemicals, oceanographic research materials, pharmaceutical research waste, agricultural chemicals, and various research waste streams.
Providence College, Bryant University (Smithfield), Johnson & Wales University (Providence, Warwick), Roger Williams University (Bristol), Salve Regina University (Newport), and other institutions also generate laboratory and operational waste.
These educational institutions generate:
Laboratory chemicals and reagents
Research waste from diverse programs
Art supplies and specialty materials
Spent solvents
Acids and bases
Heavy metal-containing materials
Photographic chemicals
Biological waste (managed separately)
Universal waste
Maintenance chemicals
Teaching laboratory waste
We provide lab pack services, chemical waste disposal, and comprehensive waste management for educational institutions throughout Rhode Island.
Healthcare and Medical Facilities
Rhode Island's healthcare system includes major hospitals and medical centers:
Major Healthcare Systems:
Lifespan - Rhode Island's largest healthcare system including:
Rhode Island Hospital (Providence) - state's largest hospital and Level I trauma center
The Miriam Hospital (Providence)
Newport Hospital
Bradley Hospital (pediatric psychiatric)
Emma Pendleton Bradley Hospital
Care New England Health System including:
Women & Infants Hospital (Providence) - specialty women's hospital
Kent Hospital (Warwick)
Butler Hospital (Providence) - psychiatric
Brown University Health (formed through affiliation of Brown and Lifespan)
Other Major Facilities:
Landmark Medical Center (Woonsocket)
South County Hospital (Wakefield)
Veterans Affairs Medical Center (Providence)
Numerous outpatient facilities, clinics, and medical practices
Healthcare facilities generate:
Pharmaceutical waste (both controlled and non-controlled substances)
Chemical disinfectants and sterilants
Laboratory chemicals
Chemotherapy waste (requiring specialized handling)
Formaldehyde from pathology departments
Xylene and other tissue staining chemicals
Mercury-containing equipment (decreasing but still present)
Silver-containing materials from radiology
Universal waste
Regulated medical waste (managed under separate state-specific protocols)
We provide comprehensive hazardous waste management for healthcare facilities of all sizes throughout Rhode Island, including DEA-witnessed destruction for controlled substances.
Jewelry Manufacturing Industry
Rhode Island has a rich jewelry manufacturing heritage, and while the industry has declined from its historic peak, jewelry manufacturing and related operations remain significant:
Historic Significance: Providence was historically known as the "Jewelry Capital of America" and the nation's costume jewelry capital. The industry employed tens of thousands in its peak.
Current Operations: While much smaller, Rhode Island still has:
Jewelry manufacturers
Precious metal working operations
Electroplating facilities
Metal finishing operations
Jewelry design and production companies
Tool and die making for jewelry industry
Related specialty manufacturing
Jewelry manufacturing generates specialized waste:
Electroplating Solutions: Chromium, nickel, copper, and other metal plating solutions
Metal Finishing Wastes: Cleaning solutions, pickling acids, polishing compounds
Precious Metal-Containing Waste: Materials contaminated with gold, silver, platinum (requiring special handling for metal recovery)
Acids and Bases: Sulfuric acid, nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, and other chemicals for metal working
Cyanide-Containing Wastes: From certain metal finishing processes (requiring special precautions)
Solvents and Degreasers: For cleaning jewelry and components
Polishing and Buffing Waste: Contaminated materials from finishing operations
The jewelry industry requires specialized waste management knowledge due to the unique chemistry involved and the potential for metal recovery from certain waste streams.
Defense and Military Operations
Rhode Island has significant military presence despite its small size:
Naval Station Newport (Newport/Middletown) is a major naval installation hosting:
Naval War College
Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport
Officer Training Command
Various other Navy commands and activities
The naval facilities generate:
Marine maintenance waste
Paint and coating waste
Solvents and degreasers
Vessel maintenance chemicals
Fuel and petroleum products
Universal waste
Electronic waste
Various military operations materials
Quonset Point (North Kingstown) includes:
Rhode Island Air National Guard base
Former Naval Air Station with ongoing aviation and military activities
Industrial park with aerospace and defense tenants
Military and defense operations generate specialized waste requiring proper management under both DOD and EPA regulations.
Marine and Boating Industries
Rhode Island's extensive coastline and marine heritage support significant marine industries:
Boat Building and Repair: Numerous boatyards, marinas, and boat builders throughout coastal Rhode Island generate:
Marine paints and antifouling coatings
Fiberglass resins and catalysts
Gel coats and marine finishes
Solvents and thinners
Cleaning chemicals
Engine maintenance waste
Bilge water and oily waste
Universal waste
Commercial Fishing: Rhode Island's fishing industry (though smaller than historic levels) generates:
Vessel maintenance waste
Engine maintenance materials
Paint and coating waste
Cleaning chemicals
Recreational Boating: Extensive recreational boating generates maintenance waste from thousands of vessels.
The marine industry has specific environmental concerns due to proximity to Narragansett Bay and coastal waters, making proper hazardous waste management especially important.
Manufacturing Industry
Rhode Island maintains manufacturing operations despite industrial changes:
Metal Fabrication: Metal working, machining, and fabrication operations generating:
Metalworking fluids and cutting oils
Spent solvents and degreasers
Metal finishing waste
Contaminated materials
Precision Manufacturing: High-precision manufacturing and specialty products generating:
Process chemicals
Solvents
Cleaning agents
Manufacturing waste
Plastics and Rubber: Some plastics manufacturing and rubber products operations generating process chemicals and manufacturing waste.
Textiles: While much declined from historic levels, some textile operations remain, generating:
Dyes and pigments
Process chemicals
Cleaning agents
Food Processing: Seafood processing and other food manufacturing generating:
Cleaning chemicals and sanitizers
Refrigeration system chemicals
Equipment maintenance waste
Technology and Biotechnology
Rhode Island has growing technology and life sciences sectors:
Technology companies generating electronic waste and specialty chemicals
Biotechnology firms generating laboratory waste and research materials
Medical device companies generating manufacturing and testing waste
Automotive and Transportation Services
Auto repair shops, dealerships, marinas with boat service, fleet maintenance facilities, and transportation companies throughout Rhode Island generate:
Used motor oil
Antifreeze
Spent solvents and degreasers
Brake fluids and transmission fluids
Contaminated absorbents
Used oil filters
Paint and body shop waste
Batteries
Aerosol cans
Commercial and Retail Operations
Commercial businesses throughout Rhode Island generate:
Maintenance chemicals
Cleaning products
Pest control materials
Fluorescent bulbs and ballasts
Batteries
Electronic waste
Paint and coatings
Aerosol cans
Rhode Island's dense population and commercial activity generate significant commercial waste despite the state's small size.
Types of Hazardous Waste We Handle in Rhode Island
We manage all categories of hazardous waste generated by Rhode Island businesses and institutions, ensuring compliance with EPA and Rhode Island DEM regulations.
Chemical Waste Disposal
Spent Solvents: Acetone, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, xylene, toluene, MEK (methyl ethyl ketone), mineral spirits, paint thinners, cleaning solvents, and other spent or waste solvents from art schools, laboratories, jewelry manufacturing, marine operations, manufacturing, and maintenance activities.
Acids and Bases: Sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, acetic acid, chromic acid, sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), potassium hydroxide, and other corrosive materials from jewelry manufacturing, metal finishing, laboratory work, manufacturing, and various industrial processes.
Laboratory Chemicals: Reagents, standards, expired chemicals, reaction by-products, and waste from university research, hospital laboratories, quality control, and educational laboratories. Rhode Island's universities generate significant laboratory chemical waste requiring lab pack services.
Paint and Coatings: Oil-based paints, lacquers, varnishes, marine paints and antifouling coatings, epoxies, urethanes, and coating materials from marine operations, maintenance, manufacturing, and art schools.
Jewelry and Metal Finishing Waste
Electroplating Solutions: Chromium plating baths, nickel plating solutions, copper plating baths, and other metal electroplating wastes from jewelry manufacturing and metal finishing operations.
Precious Metal-Containing Waste: Materials contaminated with gold, silver, platinum, and other precious metals requiring specialized handling and potential metal recovery.
Metal Finishing Chemicals: Pickling acids, metal cleaning solutions, polishing compounds, buffing waste, and finishing materials from jewelry and metal operations.
Cyanide-Containing Wastes: From certain metal finishing and electroplating processes requiring special handling and treatment.
Marine Industry Waste
Marine Paints and Coatings: Antifouling paints, marine varnishes, bottom paints, and specialized marine coatings.
Fiberglass Materials: Resins, catalysts, gel coats, and materials from boat building and repair.
Marine Maintenance Waste: Solvents, cleaners, engine maintenance materials, and boat maintenance chemicals.
Art and Design Materials
Art Supplies: Paints, solvents, thinners, photographic chemicals, printmaking materials, ceramics glazes, sculpture materials, and various specialty art materials from RISD and other art programs.
Studio Waste: Contaminated materials, cleanup waste, and process waste from artistic activities.
Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Waste
Pharmaceutical Waste: Expired medications, damaged pharmaceuticals, waste from compounding, and other pharmaceutical materials.
Controlled Substance Waste: DEA-regulated pharmaceuticals requiring DEA Form 41, witnessed destruction, and dual compliance with DEA and EPA/DEM regulations.
Chemotherapy Waste: Cytotoxic and antineoplastic agents requiring specialized handling and disposal.
Petroleum Products and Oils
Used Oil: Waste motor oil, hydraulic fluids, transmission fluids, gear oils, marine engine oil, and other petroleum-based lubricants from vehicle maintenance, marine operations, and equipment operation.
Contaminated Fuel: Off-specification fuels, contaminated gasoline or diesel, and marine fuels that cannot be used for their intended purpose.
Oily Waste: Oil/water mixtures, petroleum-contaminated solids, bilge waste, and other materials contaminated with oils or petroleum products.
Universal Waste Management
Fluorescent Bulbs and Lamps: Linear fluorescent tubes, compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs), high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps, mercury vapor lamps, and other mercury-containing lamps from commercial, industrial, institutional, and educational facilities. Rhode Island has emphasis on proper mercury waste management.
Batteries: Lead-acid batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, lithium batteries, mercury-containing batteries, and other battery types from vehicles, boats, equipment, emergency lighting, and electronics.
Electronic Waste: Computers, monitors, televisions, printers, circuit boards, and other electronic equipment. Rhode Island has specific requirements for electronic waste management.
Mercury-Containing Equipment: Thermostats, switches, thermometers, gauges, and other devices containing elemental mercury.
Industrial and Manufacturing Waste
Metal Finishing Wastes: Electroplating solutions, spent plating baths, metal cleaning wastes, sludges from metal finishing operations, and materials contaminated with heavy metals such as chromium, cadmium, nickel, copper, and zinc.
Process Waste: Waste from manufacturing operations, food processing, and various industrial processes.
Contaminated Materials: Rags, wipes, absorbents, personal protective equipment, filters, and other materials contaminated with hazardous chemicals or waste.
Rhode Island Hazardous Waste Regulations
Rhode Island businesses must comply with both federal EPA regulations and state-specific requirements administered by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM).
Rhode Island DEM Office of Waste Management
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), specifically its Office of Waste Management, administers the hazardous waste program in Rhode Island. Rhode Island is authorized by EPA to implement the federal hazardous waste program with some state-specific requirements.
Generator Categories and Requirements
Very Small Quantity Generators (VSQGs) - formerly Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generators - generate 100 kilograms (about 220 pounds or roughly 27 gallons) or less of hazardous waste per month and less than 1 kilogram per month of acutely hazardous waste. VSQGs have reduced regulatory requirements but must still ensure proper waste disposal to legitimate facilities.
Small Quantity Generators (SQGs) generate between 100 and 1,000 kilograms (about 220 to 2,200 pounds) of hazardous waste per month. SQGs must:
Obtain an EPA ID Number from Rhode Island DEM
Comply with basic waste management standards
Accumulate waste on-site for no more than 180 days (or 270 days if the treatment facility is more than 200 miles away)
Use proper containers and labeling
Train employees on hazardous waste management
Prepare waste for transportation using manifests
Maintain records for three years
The 270-day accumulation extension is available for Rhode Island SQGs if the disposal facility is more than 200 miles away. Given Rhode Island's small size and location, the applicability of this extension depends on where disposal facilities are located.
Large Quantity Generators (LQGs) generate 1,000 kilograms (about 2,200 pounds) or more of hazardous waste per month. LQGs have the most stringent requirements including:
Obtaining EPA ID Number from Rhode Island DEM
90-day maximum accumulation time limit
Stringent container management and labeling requirements
Personnel training programs
Contingency plans and emergency procedures
Biennial reporting
Waste minimization certification
Comprehensive recordkeeping
Rhode Island-Specific Requirements
Rhode Island has state-specific requirements including:
Environmental Protection Emphasis: Rhode Island has strong environmental protection focus, particularly for Narragansett Bay and coastal waters.
Narragansett Bay Protection: Special attention to preventing contamination of Narragansett Bay given its ecological and economic importance.
Registration and Fees: Rhode Island DEM requires registration and fees for hazardous waste activities.
Notification Requirements: Specific notification and reporting requirements to Rhode Island DEM.
Marine Environment Protection: Given Rhode Island's extensive coastline and marine industries, special attention to marine-related waste management.
Satellite Accumulation
Generators may accumulate up to 55 gallons of hazardous waste or 1 quart of acutely hazardous waste at or near the point of generation (satellite accumulation areas) before the accumulation time limits begin. Containers must be:
Kept closed except when adding waste
In good condition
Compatible with the waste
Marked with the words "Hazardous Waste" or other appropriate marking
Under the control of the operator of the process
Once the container is full, it must be moved to the central accumulation area within three days, and the accumulation time clock starts.
Waste Characterization
Generators must determine if their waste is hazardous through testing or applying knowledge of the materials and processes involved. Wastes can be hazardous if they are:
Listed wastes (appear on EPA's lists of hazardous wastes)
Characteristic wastes (exhibit ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity)
Proper waste characterization is critical for compliance and proper disposal, especially for specialized wastes from jewelry manufacturing and marine operations.
Hazardous Waste Manifests
When shipping hazardous waste off-site, generators must use a Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest (EPA Form 8700-22). The manifest serves as a tracking document from generation through disposal. EPA's e-Manifest system is available for electronic manifest submission, though paper manifests remain acceptable.
Land Disposal Restrictions (LDR)
Federal Land Disposal Restrictions require that hazardous wastes meet treatment standards before they can be land disposed. Generators must provide notification regarding LDR requirements with their waste shipments.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Violations of hazardous waste regulations can result in significant penalties including:
Civil penalties up to $25,000 per day per violation under Rhode Island law
Additional federal penalties under RCRA
Criminal penalties for knowing violations
Corrective action orders requiring cleanup
Permit revocation or suspension
Rhode Island DEM actively enforces hazardous waste regulations, and compliance is essential to avoid penalties and protect Rhode Island's environment, particularly Narragansett Bay.
Our Rhode Island Hazardous Waste Disposal Process
We provide streamlined, compliant hazardous waste management services throughout Rhode Island.
Step 1: Initial Consultation and Waste Evaluation
Contact us at (800) 582-4833 or info@hazardouswastedisposal.com to discuss your waste management needs.
Step 2: Waste Characterization and Documentation
We assist with proper waste characterization, testing recommendations, waste coding, and documentation preparation ensuring compliance with EPA and Rhode Island DEM requirements.
Step 3: Service Proposal and Scheduling
We provide transparent pricing, clear service scope, recommended frequency, container recommendations, and flexible scheduling.
Step 4: Waste Packaging and Containerization
We guide proper packaging including appropriate containers, proper labeling, accumulation time limit compliance, and storage requirements.
Step 5: Waste Pickup and Transportation
Our transportation services include coordination with licensed transporters, DOT-compliant transportation, proper manifest preparation, professional drivers, and appropriate vehicles.
Step 6: Waste Processing and Disposal
Your waste is transported to permitted facilities appropriate for your waste types through incineration, landfilling, fuel blending, recycling (including precious metal recovery where appropriate), treatment, or stabilization.
Step 7: Documentation and Compliance Records
We provide comprehensive documentation including completed manifests, certificates of disposal, LDR notifications, waste tracking records, and annual summaries.
Ongoing Support and Service
We provide continuing support including regular service, regulatory updates, waste minimization recommendations, container management, emergency response coordination, and training support.
Benefits of Working With Hazardous Waste Disposal in Rhode Island
Regulatory Expertise
Our team stays current with EPA and Rhode Island DEM requirements to ensure your operations remain compliant with both federal and state regulations.
Comprehensive Service Network
While our primary operations are based in Florida, we have developed a comprehensive network of vendor partners throughout the United States, including the Northeast region. This allows us to serve clients throughout Rhode Island efficiently despite the state's small size.
Industry Experience
With operations since 1992, we bring decades of experience. We understand the specific needs of:
Universities and art schools (including specialized art materials)
Healthcare facilities
Jewelry and metal finishing operations
Defense and naval facilities
Marine and boating industries
Manufacturing operations
All other Rhode Island industries
Transparent Pricing
We provide clear, competitive pricing with no hidden fees. You'll know exactly what services cost before we begin.
Safety First
Safety is our top priority in all waste management activities.
Environmental Responsibility
Proper hazardous waste management protects Rhode Island's environment, particularly:
Narragansett Bay (ecological and economic treasure)
Coastal waters and beaches
Rivers and watersheds
Groundwater resources
Block Island Sound
Rhode Island Sound
Best Practices for Rhode Island Hazardous Waste Generators
Maintain Proper Container Management
Use appropriate containers compatible with waste, keep containers closed except when adding waste, label properly, mark accumulation dates, store appropriately with secondary containment where required, and inspect regularly. This is especially important in marine environments where saltwater exposure can accelerate container corrosion.
Implement Employee Training
Provide initial training for new employees, annual refresher training, documentation of training, emergency procedures training, and role-specific training based on responsibilities.
Manage Accumulation Time Limits
Track time limits carefully (180/270 days for SQGs, 90 days for LQGs), mark accumulation start dates clearly, schedule pickup before limits expire, and maintain documentation.
Conduct Regular Inspections
Implement weekly inspections of accumulation areas (required for LQGs, recommended for all), use inspection checklists, document findings, correct deficiencies promptly, and inspect secondary containment and container condition.
Minimize Waste Generation
Purchase only needed quantities, use less hazardous alternatives where possible, implement process improvements, recycle materials when appropriate (including precious metal recovery from jewelry operations), and track generation for reduction opportunities.
Prepare for Inspections
Keep all required records organized, ensure facilities are in compliance, designate knowledgeable staff, understand rights and responsibilities, address violations promptly, and maintain professional relationships with regulators.
Plan for Emergencies
Develop spill response procedures, maintain spill response equipment, train employees on emergency procedures, post emergency contact information including Rhode Island DEM Emergency Response (401-222-3070), coordinate with local emergency responders, have appropriate fire suppression equipment, and maintain insurance.
Protect Narragansett Bay
Given the importance of Narragansett Bay, implement extra precautions:
Proper secondary containment
Immediate spill response
Storm water management
Prevent discharges to storm drains
Proper waste segregation
Maintain Required Records
Keep EPA ID Number documentation, hazardous waste determinations, manifests for at least three years, training records, inspection logs, required reports to Rhode Island DEM, biennial reports (LQGs), and exception reports.
Geographic and Climate Considerations in Rhode Island
Small State, Dense Population
Rhode Island is the smallest U.S. state by area (approximately 1,214 square miles) but has:
Second-highest population density of any state
Concentrated commercial and industrial activity
Extensive coastline relative to size
Urban and suburban development throughout most of the state
Coastal Location and Marine Environment
Rhode Island has extensive coastline:
Narragansett Bay (major estuary)
Atlantic Ocean coastline
Block Island (offshore island)
Numerous beaches, coves, and coastal areas
Significant portion of state is coastline or near coast
Environmental considerations:
Saltwater environment accelerates corrosion
Marine water quality protection critical
Coastal flooding risks
Hurricane and storm surge potential
Importance of preventing marine contamination
Climate Impacts
Rhode Island has a humid continental climate:
Cold, snowy winters
Warm, humid summers
Coastal moderation of temperatures
Nor'easter storms
Hurricane potential (coastal vulnerability)
Sea level rise concerns
Climate impacts on waste management:
Winter weather affecting outdoor storage and transportation
Saltwater corrosion of containers and equipment
Storm preparation for hazardous materials
Flood risk in low-lying coastal areas
Narragansett Bay Protection
Narragansett Bay is Rhode Island's defining geographic feature and economic/ecological treasure:
Major estuary system
Commercial and recreational fishing
Tourism and recreation
Ecological significance
Water quality improvements in recent decades requiring protection
Proper hazardous waste management is critical to preventing bay contamination.
Urban Development
Most of Rhode Island is developed:
Limited rural areas
Concentrated commercial/industrial activity
Historic mill sites (some with legacy contamination)
Brownfield redevelopment
Common Rhode Island Hazardous Waste Questions
Q: How do I get an EPA ID Number in Rhode Island? A: Contact Rhode Island DEM's Office of Waste Management or use EPA's online system at epa.gov/hwgenerators.
Q: What are Rhode Island's priorities for Narragansett Bay protection? A: Rhode Island emphasizes preventing pollution of Narragansett Bay. Proper hazardous waste management, spill prevention, and storm water management are critical.
Q: Can I qualify for the 270-day accumulation extension? A: Yes, if your SQG facility is more than 200 miles from the disposal facility. Document the distance appropriately. Given Rhode Island's small size and Northeast location, consult with waste management professionals about applicability.
Q: How should jewelry manufacturers handle precious metal-containing waste? A: Precious metal-containing waste requires proper characterization and may have metal recovery options. We can assist with proper management and coordination with metal reclaimers where appropriate.
Q: How do I handle marine paint waste? A: Marine paints, particularly antifouling paints, often contain heavy metals or biocides and are typically hazardous waste. Proper characterization, containerization, and disposal are required.
Q: What should I do if I have a spill in Rhode Island? A: Contain if safe, protect personnel, evacuate if necessary. For reportable releases, contact the National Response Center (1-800-424-8802) and Rhode Island DEM Emergency Response (401-222-3070). For spills near or into Narragansett Bay or coastal waters, immediate notification is critical.
Q: How do art schools manage waste from art materials? A: Art materials can generate diverse waste streams. Proper segregation, labeling, and disposal of solvents, paints, photographic chemicals, and other art materials are required. We provide lab pack services for art school waste.
Q: How long must I keep records? A: Manifests and hazardous waste records must be kept for at least three years. Some records may require longer retention.
Q: What are penalties for violations in Rhode Island? A: Civil penalties up to $25,000 per day per violation, plus federal penalties. Violations affecting Narragansett Bay are taken very seriously. Compliance is always more cost-effective.
Industries With Specialized Needs in Rhode Island
Universities and Art Schools
Rhode Island's prestigious educational institutions require:
Lab pack services for diverse chemicals
Art materials waste management (RISD)
Research waste disposal
Chemical consolidation
Academic calendar flexibility
Safety training support
Specialized handling of art school waste
Jewelry and Metal Finishing
Rhode Island's jewelry industry requires:
Electroplating waste management
Precious metal recovery coordination
Cyanide-containing waste handling
Metal finishing waste disposal
Understanding of jewelry manufacturing processes
Healthcare Facilities
Hospitals and medical centers need:
Pharmaceutical waste services including controlled substances
Chemotherapy waste handling
Laboratory chemical management
Universal waste programs
Compliance with healthcare regulations
Naval and Defense Operations
Military installations require:
Marine maintenance waste
Aviation chemicals (Air National Guard)
Vessel maintenance materials
Compliance with DOD and EPA regulations
Security protocols
Marine and Boating Industries
Marine operations need:
Marine paint and coating waste disposal
Fiberglass materials management
Bilge waste handling
Understanding of marine industry requirements
Coordination with marina operations
Contact Hazardous Waste Disposal for Rhode Island Services
Whether you're in Providence, Warwick, Cranston, Pawtucket, Newport, or anywhere in Rhode Island, we provide professional hazardous waste management services.
Phone: (800) 582-4833
Email: info@hazardouswastedisposal.com
Website: www.hazardouswastedisposal.com
Contact us for waste assessments, regulatory compliance guidance, scheduled pickup services, one-time cleanouts, emergency response, container supply, training support, and all hazardous and universal waste types.
Why Choose Hazardous Waste Disposal
Experience: Over 30 years since 1992
Compliance: Ensure all EPA and Rhode Island DEM requirements are met
Nationwide Network: Serve clients throughout Rhode Island and across the U.S.
Industry Knowledge: Understand universities, art schools, healthcare, jewelry manufacturing, marine industries, defense, and all Rhode Island sectors
Responsive Service: Prompt, professional responses
Transparent Pricing: Clear pricing with no hidden fees
Safety Focus: Prioritize safety in all operations
Environmental Protection: Committed to protecting Rhode Island's environment, especially Narragansett Bay
Let us handle your hazardous waste management so you can focus on your business. Contact us today at (800) 582-4833 or info@hazardouswastedisposal.com.