One of the most common questions that our team receives is a simple one: do you provide solar panel recycling near me?
This is a great question for anyone during a decommissioning or repower project. There’s so much that goes into the process of removing and transporting PV panels to avoid potential EPA (or another oversight organization) fines.
Finding a responsible solar panel recycler near your job site might seem like the easiest solution, but it is far more important to find a responsible recycler than a simple scrap collection agency that’s in a nearby town.
When solar panels are decommissioned due to damage, reaching their end-of-life, or as part of a repower, any material from these panels could be considered hazardous by an agency such as the EPA.
If you opt for an inexperienced or cut-rate disposal service, something as simple as the packaging of your old panels can become subject to fines when done improperly. If any equipment shows signs of rot from weather, hiring the closest solar panel recycler to you doesn’t mean that this contractor will consider OEM spacers and other original packaging that can minimize the risk of material spill (or further damage to equipment that could be resold later).
If you’re still wondering who the best solar recycler near me is, you should also consider that many recyclers, We Recycle Solar included, provide worldwide service.
Understanding the basics of hazardous waste management is essential to avoid such pitfalls. Here’s a quick guide to ensure you’re on the right track:
Key Elements of Hazardous Waste Management
- Generation and Identification: Determine if your solar panels generate waste classified as hazardous. This includes identifying the components that require special handling.
- Definition and Exclusions: Understand what qualifies as solid waste and what exclusions may apply to your materials.
- Characterization and Delistings: Properly characterize the waste to see if it can be delisted from hazardous status under certain conditions.
- Transportation and Permitting: Ensure that the transportation of hazardous waste follows legal requirements, including obtaining necessary permits.
- Land Disposal Restrictions: Familiarize yourself with treatment standards and regulations to prevent improper land disposal.
- Recycling and Cleanups: Look into recycling options and cleanup guidance, especially for materials that can be reused or need remediation.
- Exporter and Importer Requirements: If your operations involve shipping panels internationally, comply with specific requirements for importers and exporters.
- Site Assessments and Remediation: Conduct thorough site assessments to understand the extent of contamination and plan for effective remediation.
By incorporating these practices into your solar panel disposal strategy, you align with industry standards and mitigate risks associated with hazardous waste. This comprehensive approach not only protects the environment but also shields your business from potential penalties.
The Best Solar Panel Recycling Provider Near You
For example, We Recycle Solar operates in four countries with the global capability to process up to 100,000 pounds of equipment every day in each facility. We are the solar recycling provider near you, no matter where you are!
As with any solar panel project, think about the big pictures and consider who offers:
- Training
- Written Program Development
- EICC Conformance
- Auditing
- Permitting
These factors, along with your disposal needs, should be your priority over a provider’s location.