Construction Debris and Hazardous Waste:
How Trash Can Be An Environmental Liability
Often, contractors must deal with environmental issues and the long-arm authority of the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA). Take, for example, the disposal of construction debris. Included in almost every construction contract is the requirement that the contractor “clean up” the area in which it provides its services. In years past, the contractor believed it met its contractual obligations, as well as its legal duties, by filling the dumpster with construction debris to be carted off to some remote landfill. The contractor thought he was “doing the right thing” and being a responsible citizen under the law, but depending on what the contractor tossed in that dumpster, he potentially violated a myriad of regulations. Even well-intentioned and careful disposal of certain wastes may incur liability under state and federal regulations. Consider some of the pitfalls in managing construction and demolition debris, or C&D debris, specifically HVAC units. The key to working in today’s environment is knowing what violates certain codes, and what penalties a contractor may face.