Recycler - Green Waste

Solid wastes, such as metals, clay pottery, etc., may be present in green waste. These must be separated and properly disposed of at a solid waste landfill. Improper disposal of wastes can lead to environmental tort liability and cleanup costs.

If present at a green waste recycling facility, spills or leaks can occur from aboveground storage tanks, underground storage tanks, transfer hoses or piping. If secondary containment is not provided or the integrity of the tank, secondary containment, or piping has been compromised, contaminants can migrate into the subsurface, causing various environmental risks.

Sizing, separating, and shredding equipment; spreaders, backhoes, forklifts, conveyors, and trucks may be among the equipment used for conducting business. Petroleum-based fluids may leak from equipment, vehicles used on-site, at pickup sites, in transit between pickup and drop-off points, or parked in the yard. They could also leak or spill during maintenance or fueling. Petroleum fluids, including diesel fuels, hydraulic fluids, cleaners, and coolants, may be present. Releases can contaminate soil, be carried off-site in stormwater run-off, or contribute to fire hazards. Idling diesel tractor-trailers may also produce significant localized toxic exhaust emissions, leading to third-party bodily injury claims.

Odors generated from the biodegradation of green wastes and dust can be generated from mobile equipment used at recycling facilities. These can be a nuisance and irritant to neighboring properties, resulting in claims for third-party bodily injury or diminution of property value.

Fire hazard within compost piles is of particular concern. Excessive temperatures in compost can cause spontaneous combustion. Firewater run-off could contain pollutants impacting soils, groundwater, or surface water. Smoke and dust can be generated from firefighting that can be a nuisance or irritant to neighboring properties and result in claims for third-party bodily injury.

Cleaning of trucks used to transport green wastes or equipment used to process green wastes may generate wastewater or sludge. These waste materials must be taken to a non-owned disposal facility or wastewater treatment facility. Spills could occur during cleaning or from sludge or wastewater storage areas, creating environmental risks. Improper waste disposal could lead to environmental liability or legal consequences for violating regulatory requirements.

Stormwater may come into contact with green and solid wastes stored on-site and become impacted by particulates, pesticides, or other contaminants. If stormwater is not properly controlled, contained, or pre-treated before discharge into sanitary or storm drainage systems, it can pollute soil and groundwater or discharge directly into surface waters, impacting human health and aquatic systems.