In today’s workplace, many businesses have excess hand sanitizer on hand due to the pandemic’s rapid demand surge. However, unused hand sanitizer, especially alcohol-based types, poses disposal challenges because of its flammable content. Proper recycling addresses this challenge and reduces hazardous waste risks.
Why Hand Sanitizer Recycling Matters for Businesses
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers typically contain over 60% alcohol, making them highly ignitable. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), excess sanitizer is a Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) ignitable hazardous waste. This classification restricts businesses from discarding it through standard waste channels. Attempting to dispose of sanitizer improperly can lead to environmental hazards, fines, and compliance issues.
EPA Guidance on Recycling Hand Sanitizer
The EPA encourages recycling excess hand sanitizer. Several recycling methods are permitted under RCRA regulations, each with specific compliance requirements:
- Energy Recovery: Excess sanitizer can be burned as fuel at permitted facilities, offering an efficient way to recycle while meeting RCRA standards.
- Reclamation for Fuel or Additives: Businesses can partner with certified facilities that reclaim alcohol in sanitizer, repurposing it as fuel or fuel additives, as long as these facilities hold an Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) permit.
- Direct Reuse: If sanitizer meets FDA and safety standards, businesses can donate or repurpose it rather than dispose of it.
Each method ensures businesses manage sanitizer disposal safely and compliantly. The EPA recommends choosing recycling partners familiar with these standards to guarantee proper handling.
Benefits of Hand Sanitizer Recycling for Businesses
Recycling sanitizer offers various benefits:
- Environmental Responsibility: Recycling limits hazardous waste and mitigates pollution risks.
- Cost Savings: Reclaiming alcohol as fuel or additives helps offset disposal costs and promotes efficient resource use.
- Regulatory Compliance: Partnering with EPA-compliant recyclers avoids regulatory issues, providing peace of mind.
For companies seeking a safe and sustainable approach, hand sanitizer recycling remains an ideal solution.
Cost-Effective Hand Sanitizer Recycling Without Hazardous Waste Classification
Altiras Chemicals offers a solution for businesses facing high-cost disposal by recycling hand sanitizer in a way that eliminates hazardous waste classification. Through our specialized recycling services, we recover usable components from the alcohol-based sanitizer. This allows businesses to avoid the strict and costly hazardous waste disposal requirements. By turning what would be a waste product into a recyclable resource, Altiras reduces disposal expenses and provides an environmentally responsible and cost-effective option. This service is particularly valuable for businesses looking to minimize waste management costs while staying compliant with EPA regulations.