+ I am confused, I have tried to register with hwin but do not know all my chemical information?
The HWIN Help desk may be reached at: 1-866-494-6663 Monday to Friday from 8am to 4:45 pm or by email at hwinhelpdesk@ontario.ca
Your time is valuable and this process can be frustrating and time consuming. ECS Cares offers a service to manage all of your hwin needs and keep you in compliance for $125.00 per year.
+ My employer wants me to clean the amalgam lines and filter and rinse it in the drain, is this alright?
No, It is important to understand that amalgam needs to be treated as a “hazardous waste.” Amalgam contains mercury and other biological wastes that cannot be rinsed down the drain. For older systems where the amalgam needs to be poured out it should be done so in a safe manor and into a sealed pail with a rubber gasket. See our amalgam supplies for pricing on these pails.
+ Please explain the copies and my duties with a manifest?
Each manifest consists of 6 copies. The only copies that pertain to the generator initially are copies 1 and 2. After signing the manifest, the generator removes copies 1 and 2. Copy 1 is mailed to the ministry (see back of manifest for the office in your province) and copy 2 is to be kept on file for a 2 year minimum. When the waste is received the receiver will then mail you copy 6, to pair up with copy 2.
+ What is hwin?
Hazardous Waste Information Network HWIN allows hazardous waste generators, carriers, and receivers to register their activities with the Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change online.
HWIN is an important part of the Ministry’s commitment to strengthen Ontario’s hazardous waste management framework. It enhances the quality and accessibility of hazardous waste information in Ontario. It allows the Ministry to track where various wastes are being generated in Ontario. It ensures that a licensed company is transporting your wastes, and ultimately receiving/processing your waste.
+ When does my amalgam filter need changed?
Each offices filter change frequency should reflect the volume of use at any given facility. At a minimum both the Solmetex and Rebec systems are recommended to be changed once a year.
Solmetex HG5 series: Any of the filters in the HG5 Series have a fill line that should be monitored regularly. When the liquid in the filter reaches the fill line, the filter should be replaced. If the liquid does not reach the fill line within a 12 month period, the filter is still recommended to be replaced.
Rebec system: These filters should be replaced every 12 months at a minimum. Upon processing the waste filters, we will be able to determine if they should be changed sooner. We can provide you with the manufacturers recommendation for your offices suggested replacement frequency.
+ Why do I need to use metal drums to dispose of my chemicals when plastic drums are less expensive?
Plastic drums and metal drums serve different purposes. It is important to understand which drum(s) or pail(s) you require for the chemical wastes that your site generates. In some cases you may need to have metal drums for some chemicals, and plastic drums for others.