The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines hazardous waste in three different categories:
- The F-list: Non-specific source waste generated from manufacturing and industrial processing
- The K-list: Source-specific waste generated from petroleum refineries and pesticide manufacturers
- The P & U list: Discarded commercial chemical products
Hazardous waste is also defined by its detrimental characteristics, including:
- Ignitability: How combustible they are
- Corrosivity: How acidic or corrosive they are
- Reactivity: The ability to explode
- Toxicity: The degree of harm caused when ingested
Who Generates Hazardous Waste?
Typical hazardous waste comes from such small businesses as dry cleaners, auto repair shops, extermination companies, hospitals, and photo shops. Large companies that produce hazardous waste include chemical plants, oil refineries, and semi-conductor processing plants. Military munitions also generate hazardous waste including radioactive materials and heavy metals.
Industrial Hazardous Waste
Industrial waste is ever-present, whether it comes from the manufacturing of products (the process) or the products themselves. Manufacturing computer circuit boards involves the use of hazardous chemicals; hazardous waste is also generated from the production of fiber optics and copper wiring, as well as in the manufacture of magnetic disks. The computer packaging, manuals, and shipping all produce hazardous waste in one form or another. Industries that generate hazardous waste must obtain permits for waste disposal as defined by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
Agricultural Hazardous Waste
Hazardous waste is also generated from agriculture in the form of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, which can contaminate the soil and ultimately, drinking water. High levels of nitrates derived from such wastes are thought to cause health problems.
Hazardous Waste and Household Products
Everyday household products are problematic, including the following:
- Paint
- Solvents
- Cleaning supplies
- Batteries
- Pharmaceuticals (drugs)
- Pesticides
- Mercury from fever thermometers.
These products need to be recycled separately from regular trash pick up and the recycling of bottles and cans. Instead, they should be disposed of in accordance with specifications for toxic substances. Old homes often contain lead-based paint and asbestos, which can be cause lung disease and cancer from being inhaled when being removed.
Medical Hazardous Waste
Medical waste is particularly problematic, and special care needs to be taken when disposing of products containing blood and tissue. Medical personnel must exercise added caution when dealing with needles and other sharp medical instruments. In addition, hospitals often use radioactive materials for diagnosis (x-rays) and treatments (radiation therapy); these materials also require special handling.
Handling Hazardous Waste
For information about specific types of hazardous waste and their proper handling, the Environmental Protection Agency is one of the best sources of information available. In addition, the Department of Health and Human Services Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry deals with the health issues generated by exposure to toxic substances.
