Watch Out! A Common Building Material May Become a Hazardous Waste!

There is a big change being considered by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) about how discarded polyvinyl chloride (PVC) can be disposed. If the change is approved, discarded PVC will be classified as a hazardous waste. This will not only affect PVC manufacturers but could impact the entire supply chain including those who remove PVC pipe, windows and doors; home improvement stores; and developers to name a few.

This all stems from a complaint made by the Center of Biological Diversity, who petitioned the EPA to classify PVC as a hazardous waste years ago. As part of a related consent decree, the EPA must determine by January 20, 2023, whether discarded PVC will be classified as a hazardous waste.

If the EPA determines discarded PVC is a hazardous waste, certain industries could become large quantity generators and will have to handle their PVC waste in a more restrictive manner. In addition, the cost of disposal of discarded PVC will certainly increase and this could impact the PVC and building industries quite hard.

CMI will be following this ruling and will keep you informed. Reach out to Kristian Witt with any questions.

Written by Kristian Witt, Vice President, Environmental Services