400 million tons of hazardous waste is generated each year, threatening our well-being and the future of our planet. Proper treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste are critical in preserving the environment and human health.
Hazardous waste refers to waste products that are dangerous or harmful to humans and the environment. These dangerous wastes are produced by a variety of sources including industrial, agricultural, and residential. The term is broad, covering waste in different forms – gas, liquids, and solids.
Shred Nations can help you safely dispose of hazardous waste and maintain compliance with the EPA, RCRA, OSHA, and state regulations. Regulations may vary by location and industry, making them difficult to navigate and follow. Our waste management experts are highly-trained and knowledgeable to ensure compliance and safe handling.
Hazardous Medical Waste Disposal
Hazardous waste regulations were enacted to protect health and the environment and to conserve resources. Many hazardous wastes can be recycled and others will need to be treated and disposed of in landfills or incinerators.
Flammable waste can often be recycled as industrial fuel. Other wastes, like lead-acid batteries or electronic circuit boards, can be recycled into new products. Wastes can be destroyed by incineration and used to create energy. It can also be stabilized and solidified to prevent groundwater contamination when placed in a landfill.
Types of Hazardous Waste
There are different ways to classify hazardous waste types. They can be defined by characteristics or based on specific lists.
The EPA’s Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) defines hazardous waste in regulatory terms by characteristic. If your waste includes one or more of the following traits, it is defined as hazardous:
- Corrosivity – damaging or destructive materials
- Ignitability – combustible or flammable materials
- Reactivity – unstable or explosive materials
- Toxicity – poisonous or harmful materials
Listed wastes are determined to be hazardous if it is specifically listed on 1 of the 4 lists found in title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) in part 261.
- F-List – non-specific sourced waste, common from manufacturing and industrial processes
- K-List – specific sourced waste, common from manufacturing and industrial processes
- U and P-List – wastes from discarded commercial chemical products
Waste with a hazardous component and radioactive component is called mixed waste and is regulated under RCRA and the Atomic Energy Act.
Get Free Quotes on Hazardous Medical Waste Disposal Services
Safely and correctly disposing of medical waste keeps your office and the environment safe and clean. Find a medical waste disposal service provider in your area who can help.
Simply give us a call at (800) 747-3365, fill out the form on this page, or contact us directly with our live chat to get free medical waste disposal quotes from providers in your area.
