Simone Lawson
Hazardous waste is defined as any substance or material that can have harmful effects on human health and the environment. The EPA has developed regulations for hazardous waste management that aim to protect human health and the environment, while also encouraging environmentally sound recycling and conservation of resources. Hazardous waste can come from various sources, including industrial manufacturing processes, batteries, and household activities. Household hazardous waste includes materials such as paints, stains, solvents, pesticides, old gasoline, and other fuels. These wastes can be just as dangerous as commercially-generated hazardous waste and require proper disposal methods to reduce potential harm to human health and the environment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hazardous Waste Definition | Any substance or material that can have harmful effects on the health of people and the environment |
| Hazardous Waste Sources | Industrial manufacturing processes, batteries, liquids, solids, gases, sludges, etc. |
| Hazardous Waste Types | Ignitable, reactive, corrosive, toxic |
| Hazardous Waste Lists | F-list, K-list, P-list, U-list |
| F-list Description | Wastes from common manufacturing and industrial processes, known as wastes from non-specific sources |
| K-list Description | Wastes from specific sectors of industry and manufacturing, considered source-specific wastes |
| P-list Description | Commercial chemical products that are acutely hazardous and are disposed of but unused |
| U-list Description | Commercial chemical products that contain the listed constituent as the sole active ingredient |
| Household Hazardous Waste | Paints, stains, solvents, pesticides, old gasoline, and other fuels |
| Household Hazardous Waste Exclusion | Wastes generated by normal household activities are excluded from the definition of hazardous waste |
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What You'll Learn
Paints, stains, solvents, pesticides, and old gasoline
Paints and Stains
Oil-based paints and stains often contain toxic solvents and pigments, while even some latex paints can contain toxic pigments. Leftover paint can be preserved for future use by covering the can opening with plastic wrap and securing the lid before turning the can upside down. This creates a seal that keeps the paint fresh. Alternatively, leftover paint can be dried and then thrown away with regular trash.
Solvents
Solvents are commonly found in household products like adhesives, super glue, and shoe glue, and cleaning agents. They are highly toxic and ignitable, meaning they can easily catch fire. Solvents are also present in fuels like gasoline, which is not only flammable but also toxic, causing nose and throat irritation, breathing difficulties, headaches, and nausea if vapors are inhaled.
Pesticides
Pesticides, including bug repellents and sprays, are designed to be toxic to insects and other pests. They should be handled according to product instructions and properly disposed of through incineration. Improper disposal of pesticides can lead to environmental contamination and harm to human health.
Old Gasoline
Old gasoline, like other fuels, is ignitable and toxic. It should be handled with caution and disposed of properly at authorized hazardous waste collection centers or events.
While these materials may not be subject to hazardous waste requirements, it is important for residents to dispose of them responsibly to protect human health and the environment. Proper disposal methods may include taking them to designated collection sites or participating in community hazardous waste drop-off programs or events.
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Batteries, bulbs, and thermometers
Batteries
Batteries are typically classified as hazardous waste due to the presence of substances like sulphuric acid, mercury, nickel, cadmium, or lead, which are highly dangerous. Lithium batteries, in particular, pose a significant risk of fire and explosion and have been implicated in numerous fires. As such, it is crucial to handle and dispose of batteries properly, keeping them separate from general trash. When transporting batteries for disposal, they should be securely packaged and kept away from children and pets. Additionally, it is essential to ensure that the disposal company has the necessary permits and is registered with the relevant environmental agency to handle hazardous waste.
Bulbs
Light bulbs, especially older fluorescent bulbs, can contain mercury, a highly toxic substance. While some jurisdictions have implemented stricter regulations, managing broken bulbs as universal waste or regular hazardous waste is generally recommended. If a bulb breaks, it is important to carefully clean up the fragments and powder, placing them in a sealed container compliant with universal waste rules. Homeowners should also be cautious when handling, installing, or storing mercury lamps to prevent breakage. Bulbs should be recycled promptly and not kept longer than necessary.
Thermometers
Thermometers, particularly older ones, may contain mercury, which is classified as a hazardous waste by the RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act). Many states and local agencies have developed collection and exchange programs for mercury-containing devices, including thermometers. When storing or transporting mercury-containing products, it is crucial to keep them in their original containers with intact labels. These items should be transported to a household hazardous collection center, following proper ventilation practices if they need to be placed in a vehicle's passenger compartment.
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Computers and mobile phones
E-waste includes mobile phones and computers, and the amount of e-waste produced could rise by up to 500% over the next decade in some countries, such as India. The United States is the world's largest producer of electronic waste, discarding about 3 million tons each year. China is the second-largest producer, with 10.1 million tons (2020 estimate), despite banning e-waste imports.
Electronic devices contain various toxic substances that can be released into the environment if not properly managed. These toxicants include lead, mercury, and dioxins, which are known to have adverse health effects, especially on children and pregnant women. The open burning of printed wiring boards, for example, increases the concentration of dioxins in the surrounding areas, leading to an increased risk of cancer for those exposed.
The European Commission (EC) of the EU has classified waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) as waste generated from electrical devices, including mobile phones and computers. The EU reported 12 million tons of WEEE waste in 2020, and proper disposal and recycling of these materials require significant manpower and specialized facilities.
The recycling of computers and other electronic devices can be beneficial, as it allows for the reclamation of valuable materials such as copper, gold, palladium, silver, and tin. However, it is important to ensure that recycling practices are environmentally sound to mitigate the release of hazardous pollutants that can contaminate the air, soil, dust, and water.
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Cleaning solvents, spent acids, and metal finishing wastes
Hazardous waste is defined by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as any waste that, when present, indicates a sufficient threat to human health or the environment to merit regulation. These wastes are typically classified as exhibiting one or more of the following characteristics: ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, and toxicity.
Cleaning solvents are often used in households for activities such as degreasing, paint thinning, and spot removal. While they can be convenient for these tasks, many cleaning solvents are flammable and can pose a fire hazard if not stored or disposed of properly. Additionally, some solvents can be toxic if inhaled or absorbed through the skin, posing a risk to both human health and the environment. Improper disposal of cleaning solvents can lead to contamination of water sources and soil, causing ecological damage and potential harm to humans and other organisms.
Spent acids are another type of hazardous waste that can be generated in households. Acids are commonly used for tasks such as drain cleaning, toilet bowl cleaning, and removing rust or scale from surfaces. After use, these acids are often disposed of improperly, leading to environmental concerns. Spent acids can be corrosive and reactive, posing risks to pipes and sewage systems if poured down drains. Additionally, their corrosive nature can also pose risks to humans and animals if not handled and disposed of correctly.
Metal finishing wastes, such as those generated in the metal finishing industry, can also be hazardous. This includes wastewater treatment sludge, which the EPA is encouraging for metal recovery to increase recycling while protecting human health and the environment. Metal finishing wastes can contain toxic metals, such as lead, cadmium, and chromium, which can pose risks to human health and the environment if not properly managed. These wastes are regulated by the EPA and require proper treatment and disposal methods to minimize potential harm.
To ensure the safe disposal of these hazardous wastes, it is important for households to follow local guidelines and regulations. This may include separating hazardous wastes from regular trash, taking them to designated drop-off points, or scheduling special collections. By properly managing cleaning solvents, spent acids, and metal finishing wastes, we can help protect human health, prevent environmental contamination, and comply with regulatory requirements.
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Liquids with flashpoints below 60°C
Hazardous waste is defined as waste with properties that make it dangerous or capable of having a harmful effect on human health or the environment. It is generated from many sources, including industrial manufacturing processes, batteries, and other forms such as liquids, solids, gases, and sludges. The EPA has developed regulations for hazardous waste management to protect human health and the environment, while also encouraging environmentally sound recycling and conservation of resources.
One type of hazardous waste is ignitable liquids with flashpoints below 60°C. Flashpoint is the term used to distinguish flammable liquids from combustible liquids and non-flammable liquids. Liquids with a flashpoint between 23 and 60°C are classified as flammable liquids, specifically Category 3. These liquids are considered hazardous materials and are regulated by organisations such as OSHA in the United States.
The Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG) Code provides further clarification, stating that flammable liquids are those that give off enough flammable vapours at temperatures of 60°C (closed-cup test) or not more than 65.6°C (open-cup test) to ignite when exposed to an ignition source. This ignition source is known as the flashpoint. The ADG Code includes substances transported at elevated temperatures in a liquid state, which give off flammable vapours at or below the maximum transport temperature.
It is important to note that the results of open-cup and closed-cup tests may vary, and even individual results from the same test can be inconsistent. However, the flashpoint of a flammable liquid is critical in determining its hazardous nature, as it represents the lowest temperature at which its vapours will ignite when exposed to an ignition source.
To summarise, liquids with flashpoints below 60°C are considered hazardous waste due to their ignitability. They are highly regulated due to the potential risks they pose to human health, the environment, and workplace safety. Proper management and disposal of such liquids are crucial to mitigate these risks.
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