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Hazardous Waste Disposal for Businesses, Municipalities, Schools and Agencies

Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator (CESQG) Collection Program

The Erie County CESQG Hazardous Waste Program is a service providing a convenient, cost-effective, and environmentally acceptable method of disposal for generators of small amounts of hazardous waste. Any Western New York business, municipality, school, school district, or other agency that meets the requirements of the regulations for a CESQG as defined in 6NYCRR Part 372 may participate.  

A CESQG generates less than:

  • 1 Kg/month of acute hazardous waste or
  • 100 Kg/month of a listed and/or characteristic hazardous waste (100 Kg is approximately 220 pounds or 25 gallons of liquid) and
  • Never stores more than 1000 Kg at any time 

How do I get started?

If you would like more information about participating in the CESQG Program, please contact Erie County at 716-858-4805 or gary.carrel@erie.gov.  We will discuss your waste disposal issues and help find the best solution. We will also provide you with the Certification form which guides you through the process. 

How does it work?

When you return the completed Certification form detailing the types and amounts of each hazardous waste, disposal costs will be calculated.   If you agree to the disposal costs, you will be assigned an appointment to drop-off your waste (usually Spring or Fall collection).  Payment is due at the drop-off. Participants are responsible for transporting their own waste to the collection site.  New York State regulations allow CESQG participants to haul up to 100 Kg of hazardous waste.  Erie County contracts with a licensed hazardous waste company to take the wastes to a State-approved facility.

Read the product label and SDS to identify any hazardous ingredients. Products labeled: “poison”, “toxic”, “warning”, “danger”, “caution”, “combustible”, “corrosive”, “flammable”, “reactive” require proper disposal. 

Does it Save Money?

YES! Cost savings are realized from the economy of scale resulting from multiple generators disposing together at one drop-off site. You also save by transporting your waste and avoiding the cost of contracting with a hazardous waste disposal firm.

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