Richard Gottlieb

Services You Can Use: Disposing of dangerous toys

A service we don’t think much about, and one that unfortunately became a necessity last year was the need for disposing of products that were deemed dangerous for children. 

To find out about how toy companies can dispose of their defectives I spoke with Mike Guenther of Chemtron, a company that runs a consumer good disposal and recycling facility specializing in contaminated or defective toy destruction and disposal.

Here is my interview with Mike:

Richard:

It doesn’t seem like those in Toy Nation are very aware or aware at all of your services. Why is that?

Mike:

This is an issue not addressed within the CPSC, TIA and many other agencies and organizations, simply because there is little information made available to manufacturers, distributors as well as retailers on what to do with recalled products that are no longer fit for the consumer. There are millions of toys in warehouses all over the country being stored from recalls, and in many cases, companies don’t know what needs to be done next.

Richard:

What are the risks of not destroying defectives?

Mike:

Once a product is pulled off of shelves it is crucial that it stays that way. But how can a company continue to ensure that their product remains off the market (assuming it cannot be re-sold in any other markets) and is not found in un-authorized distribution channels, thus potentially harming the company's reputation and increasing the threat of liability? The answer: REMOVE the toy from existence through destruction and disposal!

Richard:

Why can’t a company just put the toys in a truck and drive them to the dump?

Mike:

Yes, you can go to the dump; however, many landfills do not completely destroy the product beyond use, and just bury many units whole in their landfill thus still posing a theft issue. Besides, as you were concerned about protecting the public from the recall, you should also continue to be concerned with how your product is disposed of. The best way to be certain is through a waste facility that handles toxic compounds such as lead that shreds and destroys products prior to land filling. You are now certain that it is gone!!

Facilities that handle toxic materials are permitted by the EPA, and are required to secure the products for destruction and disposal.

Richard:

Are there any other reasons that a company should not just go to the dump?

Mike:

There are certain standards and/or tests that must be considered when disposing of a solid waste such in the case for lead. When a product is deemed waste, it now falls under certain regulations for solid wastes that are governed under the EPA. Each state and federal agency has different requirements and these must be known depending on where you choose to dispose of your product.

Richard:

Do you have any recommendations for how a company can go about managing a recall?

Mike:

The steps below identify the basic requirements to handle a recall beyond the recall:

1. Gather all information possible about the product, such as, number of units and the reason for the recall, i.e. lead, other toxic concerns, etc.

2. Is the recall complete or is it ongoing? At what stage is the recall in?

3. What locations are designated to receive the product, i.e?

Distribution, manufacturing sites or 3rd party locations?

4. How much inventory is on hand at each site, and how is it being stored, container sizes, boxes, pallets, etc.?

5. Allow photographs to be taken as well as access to the locations to be viewed by the facility you chose.

6. Get any and all testing documentation, i.e. lead tests, etc. on the products and have samples available to be sent off representing the product so the testing facility can do EPA tests for you.

7. Locate a waste management firm that can provide acceptance and security to quickly destroy your product efficiently and economically. Be certain they can provide all logistical arrangements from the storage sites. Be certain that the trucks are secured and a seal is placed on the locks for tracking and security. Make sure you know what they will be doing with your product and it is suggested that you audit their site as well.

8. Must request certificates of destruction/disposal from the facility performing the services. It is suggested that certificates and proof of disposal be forwarded off to the CPSC, demonstrating a proactive and environmentally responsible effort that your company made.

Richard:

Great information Mike! Can you give us the names of some other companies that toy manufacturers can contact for disposal?

Richard:

If someone wants to contact Chemtron about its services how would they go about doing that?

Mike:

They can email me at mguenther@chemtron-corp.com, and my phone number is

440-933-6348.  My company web is: www.chemtron-corp.com

Richard:

Do other companies offer these services?

Mike:

Yes.  Here are two:

Safety Kleen and Clean Harbors

Richard:

Thank you Mike.

Posted by Richard Gottlieb on August 20, 2008 | Comments (0)