How to Manage Hazardous Waste Disposal
You’ve probably been wondering how to manage hazardous waste disposal. Before you decide, you need to know what types of hazardous waste are produced in your facility and what you can do to dispose of them safely. This article covers the Regulations for Hazardous Waste Disposal and the Options for Hazardous Waste Disposal. Keep reading to learn more about these topics. Please click here for more information and pricing on commercial waste.
Colour coded bins |
Yellow |
Red |
Orange |
Purple |
White |
Blue |
Yellow & Black |
Black |
Infectious waste to be disposed of immediately |
Anatomical waste (hazardous and non-hazardous) |
Infectious waste which is sent for treatment |
Cytostatic and cytotoxic medicinal products such as sharps |
Dental waste |
Medicinal waste such as part empty containers,out of date medicine etc |
Non-infectious/hazardous hygiene waste |
|
Hazardous Waste Disposal: Regulations
The EPA established national standards for managing hazardous waste disposal and “cradle-to-grave” materials. Although there are EPA regulations, many states have the authority to create and manage their State programs for hazardous waste disposal. Some have adopted the EPA regulations, while others have developed their own rules. Either way, compliance with the regulations is essential to preventing pollution and protecting the environment.
This article will outline some of the key elements of the new regulations and how they may impact your business. Generally, hazardous waste must be stored near the point of generation.
- Regardless of the size or type, containers must be tightly sealed and not be moved from one room to another.
- When moving containers, they must be secured to prevent chemical contamination.
- They must be in good condition with lids intact.
- Additionally, hazardous waste containers cannot be moved further than 180 days from the point of generation.
- To comply with these regulations, the process operator should post a hazardous waste satellite accumulation area sign near the waste generation area.
- Commonly used household products may be hazardous waste, but they do not have to be.
The EPA Acutely Hazardous Waste “P” List lists many of these products. Nevertheless, the list is not exhaustive; some states also have hazardous waste lists. Keeping in mind the regulations for each state, the rules can be confusing. If you have a spill, contact EHS for proper disposal. You can follow their instructions on cleaning up small spills, chemical hygiene, and proper handling of hazardous wastes.
The managed hazardous waste disposal regulations require SQGs to prepare a manifest and meet specific requirements. SQGs must not generate more than 100 kg of hazardous waste per calendar month and accumulate no more than six hundred and twenty-five pounds of hazardous waste in 180 days. TSQGs must also maintain a manifest system, and EPA encourages using electronic permits to comply with the regulations.
These wastes must be treated using concentration-based treatment standards or a specified disposal method. Non-compliance with the RCRA may result in criminal and civil penalties. Ordinary hazardous wastes are solvents, acids, caustics, and automobile batteries. Additionally, the regulations govern the disposal of toxic wastes, including those discarded by manufacturing.
The three RCRA categories also contain the following: Any solid waste that can pose a risk to human health and the environment is classified as hazardous waste.
To qualify as hazardous, a waste must have a unique identification code. These codes include D001 for characteristic ignitable wastes and F001 for listed spent solvents used in degreasing operations. These lists are very detailed and comprehensive, so you should consult an expert before disposing of any hazardous waste in your business.
Hazardous Waste Disposal: Options
There are several methods for managing hazardous waste disposal. Some are natural, while others involve using chemicals. Natural methods involve using biological methods. Some use genetically engineered bacteria or nutrients to treat hazardous waste. They cannot grow food crops but are beneficial for containing pollution. Alternative methods use microbes, which can help stabilise hazardous waste disposed of in a landfill.
- The most common and environmentally sound hazardous waste management methods are landfilling underground injection, and aqueous organic treatment.
- Each has its advantages and drawbacks.
- A deep-well injection system, for instance, uses high pressure to force a liquid hazardous waste into a porous zone. It’s an environmentally friendly method but is also comparatively expensive.
- If misused, hazardous waste could leak into the subsurface, polluting water supplies.
- Most hazardous waste disposal methods require additional technical specifications and geological conditions. This means that the disposal methods for these wastes vary widely. For example, some of these methods may not be compatible with hazardous wastelands. This is another reason for EPA to make regulating agencies amend hazardous waste disposal regulations more complex.
- Landfills are the most common method for hazardous waste disposal. These sites are usually specially designed and excavated within the ground and lined with materials to prevent waste from leaching.
- Additional protection measures include wind dispersal controls and leak protection systems. Although landfills are safe for human health, they can be environmentally hazardous if leaks occur.
If you’re concerned about the environmental impact of landfills, look for an alternative.
Hazardous Waste Disposal: Recycling
Recycling is another method for managing hazardous waste.
Although it’s the most desirable option, it can’t be applied to all hazardous waste. The best solution is to reduce waste at the source and recycle materials for productive use. But recycling and reduction are not permanent solutions. Some hazardous waste will always need to be treated, stored, or disposed of. So it’s essential to learn how to manage this waste. Using chemical waste disposal is another option.
- If a community does not have a proper system for handling hazardous waste, local agencies or cities often offer free on-site technical assistance to assist in the process.
- A commercial facility is also available.
- Regarding household hazardous waste, storage may be the best temporary solution.
- Keep labels on containers to prevent them from getting lost or stolen.
- Moreover, use original containers for the storage of hazardous waste products.
Taking the proper precautions before releasing hazardous waste into the environment is crucial. If it’s not handled correctly, it can have disastrous consequences. Luckily, the U.S. EPA has created a comprehensive e-Manifest (e-Manifest) system. This regulation applies to a variety of companies that generate hazardous waste. Businesses range from small to large, but all must follow the guidelines under RCRA.
Hazardous waste must be stored in designated containers for no more than one year and must adhere to regulations for preparedness. In addition to following proper procedures, facilities must have an EPA identification number and a written contingency plan. Employees must also be trained annually on handling hazardous waste and maintaining written job descriptions.
Empty commercial waste bins containing hazardous materials must be triple-rinsed and collected. The college may also collect empty containers without triple-rinsing them and dispose of them as hazardous waste. To avoid contamination, no more than 0.3% of the container’s total capacity can remain in the empty container.
Hazardous Waste Disposal – Learn more about UK business waste statistics here
Other useful links from our Commercial Waste Centre
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