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Stakeholders ask MassDEP to flesh out disaster plans that include household hazardous products
Summary
Meeting participants recommended that MassDEP develop more detailed guidance and interagency coordination on handling household hazardous products (HHP) after disasters, including disposal contracts, triage plans and coordination with MEMA and FEMA.
MassDEP staff and stakeholders discussed incorporating household hazardous products (HHP) into disaster preparedness and recovery planning, and urged the agency to provide municipalities with more detailed operational guidance and contracts to support post‑disaster collection, triage and disposal.
Why it matters: Disasters such as floods, hurricanes and wildfires can generate large quantities of household hazardous materials that require rapid, safe collection and disposal. Several speakers said municipalities will need clearer statewide guidance and prearranged logistical and disposal arrangements to avoid delays and unsafe handling.
Stakeholders urged MassDEP to coordinate with regional and federal partners. Phil recommended DEP work closely with MEMA and FEMA and to consult other jurisdictions that have plans for hazardous materials after fires and floods. He asked whether MassDEP has contracts or arrangements in place for disposal capacity — for example, whether materials would be shipped to a subtitle C landfill — and urged the agency to investigate disposal options and mutual aid arrangements in advance.
Jan Amin and others noted that regional planning agencies and councils of governments already help municipalities with disaster planning and mutual aid and recommended that MassDEP incorporate those regional entities into any guidance or outreach. Participants also noted contractors exist to support collection logistics and FEMA paperwork but suggested a gap remains for disposal contracts and facility capacity during large disasters.
MassDEP staff said disaster preparedness is a long‑term element of the draft plan and that those plans will help identify further needs for staff and contractor resources. No formal decisions were made at this meeting.
