Environmental & Regulatory Compliance Guide for Scrap Metal Operations 2025

Comprehensive guide to environmental regulations, compliance requirements, sustainability initiatives, and regulatory best practices for scrap metal recycling facilities. Essential for compliance managers and facility operators.

EPA ComplianceClean Air ActOSHA SafetySustainabilityRCRA Requirements

Key Compliance Areas

Federal Environmental Regulations

Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and RCRA compliance requirements. New EPA emissions standards effective Q2 2025.

Compliance Cost: $750K-$2.5M • Air Quality: <0.02 grains/dscf

Worker Safety & Health (OSHA)

Personal protective equipment, hazard communication, machine safety, and comprehensive health monitoring programs.

PPE Requirements • Respiratory Protection • Safety Training

Environmental Management Systems

ISO 14001 implementation, environmental monitoring programs, and continuous improvement processes.

ISO 14001 • Monitoring • Documentation Systems

Sustainability & Carbon Management

Carbon footprint accounting, greenhouse gas reporting, and circular economy initiatives for competitive advantage.

Carbon Credits: $5-15/ton • ESG Reporting • Price Premiums: 8-12%

Hazardous Waste Management (RCRA)

Universal waste handling, hazardous material identification, storage requirements, and proper disposal protocols.

Storage: 90-day limit • Training: Annual • Documentation: 3+ years

State & Local Regulations

Air quality permits, zoning compliance, noise ordinances, and 32 states with plastic recycling mandates.

18 States: Carbon Pricing • Local Permits • Public Notifications

Compliance Implementation Roadmap

Phase 1Months 1-3

Baseline Assessment

•Comprehensive regulatory compliance audit
•Environmental impact assessment
•Gap analysis and priority identification
•Regulatory calendar development

Phase 2Months 4-12

Core Implementation

•Environmental control system installation
•Permit applications and approvals
•Staff training program implementation
•Monitoring and reporting systems

Phase 3Months 13-24

Advanced Systems

•Environmental management certification
•Sustainability program development
•Technology integration and automation
•Continuous improvement programs

2025 Regulatory Updates

NEWFederal Requirements

Q2 2025

New EPA Emissions Standards

Particulate matter limits: 0.02 grains/dscf for new sources

2025

Enhanced GHG Reporting

Facilities >25,000 MT CO2e must report greenhouse gases

Ongoing

PFAS Regulations

New monitoring requirements for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances

STATEState & Local Changes

32 States

Plastic Recycling Mandates

Extended producer responsibility programs expanding

18 States

Carbon Pricing Mechanisms

Cap-and-trade and carbon tax programs expanding

Regional

Air Quality Districts

Local permit requirements and fugitive dust controls

Compliance Investment & Returns

COSTSInvestment Requirements

Air Quality Monitoring$150K-$500K

Water Treatment Upgrades$300K-$1.2M

Waste Tracking Systems$50K-$200K

Training & Certification$25K-$75K/year

RETURNSBusiness Benefits

Green Certification Premium8-12%

Carbon Credit Revenue$5-15/ton

Insurance Cost Reduction15-25%

Penalty Risk AvoidanceHigh ROI