Hernando County does NOT accept hazardous waste from any commercial businesses.  Please contact a hazardous waste disposal company for assistance with disposing of your hazardous waste.  A list of licensed transporters may be found on the Florida Department of Environmental Protection website at:
https://floridadep.gov/waste/permitting-compliance-assistance/content/hazardous-waste-management .

Hernando County inspects local businesses, for the proper storing and disposing of hazardous waste, as it relates to federal and state regulations. As a business owner/operator, it is your responsibility to ensure that all wastes generated by your business are disposed of in a way that does not harm the environment. 

The County works with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) with the inspections of Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generators (CESQG’s) and Small Quantity Generators (SQG’s). Large Quantity Generators need to contact the FDEP directly.

• Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generators (CESQGs) generate less than 220 pounds of hazardous waste per month and less than 2.2 pounds of acute hazardous waste (such as some pesticides, toxins or arsenic and cyanide compounds) in any given month.
• Small Quantity Generators (SQGs) generate 220-2,200 pounds of hazardous waste in any given month
• Large Quantity Generators (LQGs) generate 2,200 pounds or more of hazardous waste per month or 2.2 pounds or more of acute hazardous waste in any given month.

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Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generators (CESQG)

You are considered a Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generators (CESQG) if your business generates less than 220 pounds (100 kilograms) of hazardous waste in ANY calendar month and less than 2.2 pounds (1 kilogram) of acute hazardous waste (such as some pesticides, toxins or arsenic and cyanide compounds) per month. Many wastes that are recycled are included in this quantity determination.

As a CESQG you are required to do the following:

1. Perform hazardous waste determination
2. Cannot accumulate > 1000 kg at any time.
3. Ensure delivery of hazardous waste to a proper recycling facility or TSDF. (CESQG’s can transport their own waste)
4. Keep records documenting proper disposal

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Small Quantity Generators (SQG)

You are considered a Small Quantity Generators (SQG) if your business generates between 220-2,200 pounds (100 - 1000 kilograms) of hazardous waste in ANY calendar month. Many wastes that are recycled are included in this quantity determination.

As a SQG you are required to do the following:

1. Perform hazardous waste determination
2. Accumulates between 220-2,200 pounds (100 - 1000 kilograms)
3. Obtain a DEP/EPA ID Number (phone 850/488-0300).
4. Place waste in a labeled, leak-proof container.
   • Container must be marked with the start date that the container is first used 
   • Container must be in good condition
   • Leak free
   • Keep Containers closed
   • Provide adequate aisle space
   • Containers must be inspected weekly
5. Use manifest system
6. Never exceed the 6000 kg accumulation/180 day storage time limit.
7. Ensure delivery of hazardous waste to a proper recycling facility or TSDF. (Can not transport your own waste)
8. Emergency Planning:
   • Designate an Emergency Coordinator (EC) on 24-hour call
   • Post Emergency information next to the telephone
   • Provide adequate training for personnel handling hazardous waste
9. Prepared and Prevention Plan
   • Maintain Safe work place
   • Accessible telephones
   • Maintain fire extinguishers and spill equipment
   • Maintain aisle space
   • Notify police, fire department, and state emergency response teams of the types of wastes handles at your facility.
10. Keep records
    • Manifests
    • Land Disposal Restriction Forms
    • Manifest Exception reports
    • Analytical and other records
    • Training documents
    • Inspection Logs

All generators of hazardous waste materials are required by law to identify and evaluate their waste. Keeping a file with all the Material Safety Data Sheets for the chemicals used by your business will help identify your waste and maintain compliance. All employees must have easy access to MSDS.