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What is Hazardous Waste, and How to Properly Dispose of  These Harmful Materials

The EPA defines hazardous waste “as waste with properties that make it dangerous or capable of having a harmful effect on human health and the environment”. Hazardous waste comes from many sources, including, but not limited to, solid gases, sludges, and liquids. But first and foremost, to be considered hazardous waste, it must be solid. Once the hazardous waste is generated and identified, it must be transported by special hazardous waste designated carriers, and then it is recycled, treated, and disposed of.

Once the hazardous waste is safely transported, it begins the recycling process. Some solid wastes are considered hazardous by the EPA, and others are not. The EPA has developed a simple guide to determine if the waste contains certain properties which can pose a threat to human life or the environment. The waste must be classified into the following four categories. Reactivity, Corrosivity, Toxicity, and Ignitability. Let’s take a look at these four categories and give a quick definition of each.

• Reactivity: These are dangerous because they may be unstable under normal circumstances. They may react with water, emit toxic gasses, or could explode.
• Corrosivity: A waste that has a pH equal to or less than 2. A pH that is greater than 12.2 can have the ability to corrode steel.
• Toxicity: These wastes, when absorbed or eaten, can be harmful to the system. Typically these toxins are leached into the underwater ground systems from landfills that do not have the proper lines and underground monitoring systems, which can cause polluted water.
• Ignitability: These are wastes, including liquids with flash points of 140 degrees Fahrenheit. When a fire breaks out then, there is a myriad of problems to deal with, including hazardous waste, which enters the atmosphere and can cause air pollution, which can cause serious health risks to people with allergies and asthma conditions.

Most people don’t even realize that they have hazards in their homes, garages, and other storage areas around the yard. So it is imperative that you are aware of these materials and the threat they pose to you and your family. Some of the more common household hazardous waste include:

• Solvents, Rat baits, Fluorescent light bulbs, Antifreeze, Oven cleaners, Herbicides, Pool chemicals, Toilet cleaners, and Paint thinners.

It is imperative that you follow the directions on the product labels and know how to properly dispose of these materials when you have finished using them. A great place to start is to contact your local city hall or county government. They usually have websites devoted to the handling of these wastes. A better idea is not to bring these harmful materials into your house in the first place. No one wishes to expose their family members to potential threats that can be devastating to both you and the environment.

So, if you do a quick check on Google, you can virtually replace all these harmful wastes with Green products. There are literally thousands of products that are safer to use and thus ensuring a safe environment for your family. Take the time today and find replacement products you can always find Green products right on the grocery shelf while you are shopping. Be safe and help keep your families protected and our environment cleaner for future generations.