Proper disposal of chemical waste is important to avoid harm to the environment and human and animal health. Guidelines vary globally, but in the US, the EPA maintains lists of hazardous waste. Hazardous waste collection programs are available to ensure safe disposal. Containers should be compatible with waste, labeled, and rinsed before disposal. Special consideration may be required for some materials. Contact local public works authorities for further instructions.
Chemicals are commonly used and fairly easy to obtain, but are not always so easy to dispose of safely. Many of the substances used every day can cause serious damage to the environment and to human and animal health. To avoid this, it is important for people to follow guidelines for disposing of chemical waste.
Proper disposal of chemical waste can only happen if people know which substances pose a risk. Guidelines regarding the disposal of chemical waste vary around the world and information may not always be readily available. This leads many people to endanger themselves and their environment without knowing it.
In the United States, however, there are many sources to assist people. There are several factors that can cause substances to be classified as hazardous waste. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains lists that can be consulted. Many common chemicals such as acetone and methanol fall into this category. People need to be careful because some chemicals not listed are actually dangerous.
Normally, any poisonous, reactive, corrosive or flammable substance is subject to chemical waste disposal regulations. Pouring such substances down the drain, burying them, or throwing them in the trash is not considered proper disposal in the United States. Because many people can be tempted to choose unsafe options that dispose of unwanted materials easily, many municipalities have easy hazardous waste collection programs. Most programs allow people to simply give their waste to those qualified to handle it.
Chemical waste disposal should start with unwanted substances stored in a sealable container. It is important to ensure that the container and waste are compatible. Not all waste is created equal, so not all waste can be stored in the same type of container. Furthermore, when storing substances for later disposal, it is not advisable to mix different types of waste unless there is complete certainty that the substances are compatible.
Once the chemical waste has been placed in a container, it should be closed tightly to prevent spills or other types of accidents. Most guidelines warn against leaving tubes or funnels in a larger container for later use. It is advisable to take the time to open and close the container each time.
Containers containing chemical waste must be thoroughly rinsed. This prevents negative reactions from occurring with the things the container comes into contact with. The container must also be clearly labeled as hazardous chemical waste. When known, the type of waste should also be clearly indicated on the container. This will avoid any confusion or mistakes by others who come into contact with it.
Once these steps have been followed, unwanted materials can normally be taken to a chemical waste landfill. Some materials may need to be taken to special sites because special consideration is required for their disposal. When disposal sites cannot be easily found, it is best to contact your local public works authorities for further instructions.
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