The State of New York implemented some of the most proactive and stringent hazardous waste management regulations in the country. This program was put into effect by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), in accordance with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines.

The solid waste management program has a profound impact on the way companies handle, store, and transport sometimes hazardous materials. The mandate includes what is being hailed as “C7 requirements for waste generators” and reporting requirements. The mandate reportedly runs through 2032, replacing the 2010 Beyond Waste: A Sustainable Materials Management Strategy.

New York State Waste Management Plan Goals

Formally called the New York State Solid Waste Management Plan: Building the Circular Economy through Sustainable Materials Management, the program seeks to align its waste-related processes with its carbon emissions goals. These processes include waste reduction, recycling, collection, transportation, policies, and best practices.

In a press release, DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos indicated that landfills are a major contributor to greenhouse gases. This plan of action would help curb the enduring problem. Rerouting landfill waste through the supply chain to fulfill other purposes is being viewed as an integral factor in realizing the goals established in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.

The Act aims to lower carbon emissions and transition New York to a greener economy. To that end, the state established six priority categories and funding to support fast-tracking change.

New York Offers Municipalities Waste Management Funding

State officials rolled out a series of grants and awards designed to create new programs and augment existing ones. The funds underwrite many of the pragmatic needs of local agencies as well as private-sector partners. These rank among the goal-related waste management funds sanctioned by New York State.  

Food Scrap Recycling Programs

Grants totaling $2.9 million are being awarded to 23 communities to expand existing programs and facilities. Almost $1.9 million has been earmarked for environmental justice and organics recycling efforts.

Emergency Food Relief Programs

Upwards of $2.2 million in grants are being sent to 47 relief operations to purchase critical assets. These include buying new trucks, freezers, coolers, and refrigerated vehicles, commonly called “reefers” in the freight transportation sector.

The goal of purchasing new equipment is to lend material support to organizations tasked with meeting mandates established by New York’s Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling law. The DEC recently touted the fact that five million pounds of food were donated in accordance with this and other programs. Along with helping to feed hungry people, it also reduces the accumulation of waste in local landfills.

The state’s long-term goal is to improve its recycling rate to 85 percent by 2025. According to the EPA, approximately 75 percent of the waste stream in the U.S. can be recycled. Sadly, only about 32 percent is currently recycled. The EPA’s 2030 target of 50 percent is far less aggressive than New York’s, based on its six priority areas.

What are the Six Waste Management Plan Focus Areas?

Although New York’s approach to recycling and reuse demonstrates hunger-reduction leadership, there are wide-reaching types of waste materials covered in its mandate. The concept behind these items is to create a more circular economy that emphasizes recycling and repurposing over disposing of healthy food, products, and materials.

These are the six broad categories behind the proactive waste management plan, according to the New York DEC.

  • Waste Reduction and Reuse
  • Recycling and Recycling Market Development and Resiliency
  • Product Stewardship and Extended Producer Responsibility
  • Organics Reduction and Recycling
  • Toxics Reduction in Products
  • Advanced Design and Operation of Solid Waste Management Facilities and Related Activities

 

These major focus areas impact private-sector operations that generate various types of solid waste, as well as companies handling and transporting materials. Perhaps no solid waste management niche will come under greater compliance scrutiny than those dealing with hazardous waste. 

Complying with New York’s C7 Regulations

Taking proactive measures to meet the C7 rules under the newly adopted waste management plan will help companies avoid fines and the potential suspension of licenses. Reports indicate the state is moving forward with determination to redefine the system.

It’s important to keep in mind that the policy affects more than just traditional waste management outfits. Those who generate waste are also subject to the regulations, which means adjusting practices.

These rank are among the sectors that are likely to overlook the changes and fall into non-compliance.

  • Healthcare Organizations: Hospitals, emergency care chains, and others in the industry will be affected to varying degrees.
  • Life Science and Pharma:Any operation that generates hazardous waste materials ranging from harmful chemicals to syringes may be impacted by the new rules.
  • Education:Public and private grade schools, all the way through colleges and universities, will be under a regulatory microscope. Improvements in recycling items that previously ended up in landfills, as well as viable food leftovers, are expected to follow a more positive path in the circular green economy. Campuses that conduct laboratory research are expected to be held to big pharma standards.

Understanding New York’s C7 Notification Requirements for Waste Generators

New York State carved out a limited number of C7 exemptions for waste generators, supply chain businesses, and those likely to discard certain materials. Scrap metal operations, largely because their nature is recycling or repurposing, are exempt. It would appear redundant to add reporting and labor to a sector designed to support carbon reduction.

While the metals in electronic equipment may also be exempt, glass components lose this status if separated from the device. Precious metals, dental amalgam, car battery lead, and a short list of others also enjoy exemptions.

Any materials or products that are not expressly exempt fall under the waste management policy. Organizations wishing to gain an exemption are required to file C7 notifications with the state.

Who Needs to File a C7 Notification?

Hazardous waste producers and handlers who wish to gain a recycling exemption need to file an official C7 Notification form with the New York State DEC. The C7 requirements for waste generators must articulate the intention and reasons for the request.

Why is C7 Notification Important?

The purpose of observing C7 notification requirements is not necessarily to sidestep the recycling or reuse system. In cases such as scrap yards and others, it lets state regulators know that your business plans to store the materials in a safe and efficient manner.

This information gives environmental bodies a heads-up on where and why potentially recyclable materials are located. Reasons for such data collection include public health and safety.

Consequences of Not Following C7 Notification Requirements

The state generally takes a practical approach to dealing with solid waste violations. Rather than simply holding individuals and companies accountable with civil penalties, the DEC and other agencies push for cleanup and remediation of contaminated sites.

The cost of cleaning up and removing items where recyclable products and materials have been stored has proven a major deterrent. Significant fines are typically levied for violations that increase for multiple incidents.

Incurring high fines and running the risk of a business license suspension are avoidable. The New York DEC Solid Waste Management Plan and C7 forms can be downloaded. Taking proactive steps to notify the state and remain in compliance will avoid civil actions; while knowing you are doing your part for a sustainable economy.