Chemical Waste Disposal Near Me: How to Dispose of Chemicals Safely

Waste takes up a lot of space. Human beings produce roughly 13 tons of hazardous waste every second. Some of the waste is improperly disposed of, going into landfills or waterways.

Whatever your line of work is, you must know about proper disposal methods. But Googling "chemical waste disposal near me" turns up a lot of information.

What are the different types of hazardous waste? What kinds of risks do different wastes pose to human health? How can you store waste, then dispose of it?

Get the facts and you can prevent dangerous chemicals from harming yourself and the environment. Here is your quick guide.

Categories of Hazardous Waste

The Environmental Protection Agency classifies hazardous waste into four main lists. The F-list categorizes wastes that originate from common manufacturing and industrial processes.

Several industries may produce the same waste. Examples of F-list wastes include chemicals used to preserve wood products and spent solvents.

The K-list contains wastes that come from specific industries. To go onto the list, a waste must come from a particular chemical process like petroleum refining. Sediment sludge from the treatment of wastewater is one example of a K-list waste.

The P and U lists describe waste that comes from unused chemicals. These chemicals may create waste through a natural reaction or by degrading through time. Examples include allyl alcohol and acetamide.

The EPA does consider other dangerous wastes. Mixed wastes contain radioactive material, which can cause cancer and radiation poisoning. They are rare, with nuclear power plants and electric generators causing most of them.

The EPA focuses on solid waste produced through industrial processes. But household hazardous waste and liquid waste can be dangerous. Paints, asbestos, and acid can harm a person in certain contexts.

Dangers of Waste

The EPA tracks four particular hazardous waste characteristics. Ignitability involves a waste catching on fire. Some liquids will catch on fire at low temperatures or when they decompress.

Corrosive wastes will corrode metal and other substances. Any liquid waste with a pH less than 2 or higher than 12.5 is a dangerous corrosive waste. The EPA also tracks wastes of any pH that can damaged steel.

Reactive wastes may trigger any number of chemical reactions. They may be unstable at room temperature, or they may cause some sort of reaction when they touch the water. They may release toxic cases or trigger an explosion.

Toxic wastes are harmful after they are ingested or absorbed. This can include chemicals that absorb through physical contact. The EPA is particularly concerned about toxic wastes because they can pollute groundwater.

Containers for Waste

When you are storing and disposing of chemical waste, you must use proper containers. Understand what chemicals you are using and what their risks are.

You can begin the process of storing chemicals by washing them down with water. This is best for concentrated acids and inorganic salts. But do not put these compounds down the drain or wash them in a body of natural water.

You can put waste in barrels, bins, or tubs. What is most important is that you find materials that are compatible with the chemicals.

Acids will dissolve metal, so you should store acid waste in a plastic container. Gasoline and other solvents can react with plastic, so you should store them in a metal container.

Secure every container you use with a leak-proof cap. The cap should fit on top of the container and keep it closed unless you need to add more waste to it.

Label the container with full written descriptions. Mention what chemical the container holds, how much it holds, and when the container was filled.

Do not put two chemicals in the same container. Place all waste containers in a designated area with signs that acknowledge that the area has waste.

How to Dispose of Chemical Waste

You should perform chemical waste disposal well before the area you have is filled. There are a few ways you can dispose of certain wastes yourself. Follow expert guidelines for chemical waste disposal.

You can incinerate solvents and organic waste. You should use a chemical incinerator to do so, not an open flame or an oven.

Liquid chemical waste disposal can involve distilling chemicals through heat. You can also separate oil from water and dispose of the oil separately.

Hazardous wastes from batteries and circuit boards can get recycled. You may be able to put them in a special recycling bin if your municipality approves of it. Check your local laws before disposing of electronics and similar materials.

Any waste that poses a major threat to human health should go to a professional chemical waste company. Company employees receive training in how to handle and dispose of different materials. Keep the waste in an area where it can't cause harm and let the professionals do their job.

It is essential that you call a company after a waste spill. You should try to contain the waste, evacuate the area, and treat injured people. But you should remain away from the spill until professionals say it is okay to return.

Find the Best Chemical Waste Disposal Near Me

You deserve the facts about "chemical waste disposal near me." The EPA focuses on wastes that come from different chemical processes. Every industry produces some sort of waste that causes damage.

The damage that a waste can cause can be extensive. A waste may catch on fire, or it may corrode metal and skin.

Store all of your wastes in containers that are compatible with them. Find a good place to store wastes before disposal. Free chemical waste disposal involves the incineration of solvents.

Nearly everything else requires professional help. HCI Environmental serves Southern California. Contact us today.