Small business owners don’t have time to dig through complicated regulations. But when it comes to waste handling, missing a required notification or permit can lead to fines, delays, or even shutdowns.

“Many small business owners don’t realize that routine, everyday operations can trigger state requirements,” said NFIB State Director Jim Brown. “Understanding the basics can help business owners avoid costly surprises and stay focused on running their business.”

Here’s a quick look at what the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) Division of Solid Waste Management (DSWM) may require.

Hazardous Waste

Many small businesses generate some amount of hazardous waste, often from everyday activities like maintenance, cleaning, or manufacturing.

Hazardous waste can be many different types of chemicals, but typically has a characteristic of ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, and/or toxicity.

To know when you need to notify DSWM, you need to know your generator status. Generator status is based on how much waste is made in a month. There are three different types of generators, very small quantity, small quantity, and large quantity generators.

Click here to learn more about hazardouse waste.

If your business manages hazardous waste on-site in any way beyond simply generating it, such as treating, storing, or disposing of that waste, you’ll need to both notify and obtain a hazardous waste permit from DSWM.

Click here to apply for a permit.

Special Waste Permit

If your operations produce difficult-to-manage wastes like sludges, used pesticides, asbestos, or similar materials, and you plan to dispose of or process them through permitted facilities, obtaining Special Waste Approval ensures safe handling and state compliance. 

Click here for more information.

Used Oil Notification

Small businesses handling used oil, whether collecting, transporting, transferring, processing, marketing, refining, or burning off-specification oil, must file a notification with TDEC’s Used Oil Management Program.

Collection centers only need to register, while all others (transporters, processors, burners, etc.) must complete the notification form, obtain an EPA ID (if needed), and pay a one-time fee of $150, plus an annual maintenance fee in some cases.

Click here to read the notificatioin for used oil management.

Recovered Materials

Facilities that process and store non-hazardous, recovered materials for resale, reuse, or recycling are exempt from solid waste permitting but must notify TDEC by submitting Form CN1605.

Notifications include details like facility name, materials handled, storage capacity, and operation descriptions. Financial assurance may be required if materials’ value is below removal costs.

Click here for details.