Proper environmental waste management involves disposing of waste in an environmentally conscious way. The US EPA regulates waste through the RCRA, which divides waste into sub-categories. Hazardous waste is placed on one of four lists and can be reduced through consumer management and safer disposal options. Many companies are implementing EMS to improve waste management and comply with regulations.
Environmental waste management is the disposal of any type of waste in an environmentally conscious manner. From paying bills online to reducing paper waste to disposing of hazardous waste at a designated site, proper waste management can help preserve the environment. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says American-generated waste reaches into the millions of tons.
The EPA regulates all US waste through compliance with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Waste is divided into broad sub-categories. Households generate trash. Commercial producers and industrial companies generate solid waste. Within the household or commercial categories, waste is further defined as hazardous or non-hazardous.
Hazardous waste contains hazardous or noxious elements that are flammable, corrosive, reactive or toxic. The RCRA places hazardous waste on one of four lists: F-list, K-list, P-list, or U-list. List F waste comes from non-specific sources, such as any manufacturing or industrial process that uses heavy duty cleaners or degreasers.
K-list wastes are source-specific and generated by industries such as water treatment plants, oil refineries, or pesticide manufacturers. On the P-list and U-list are commercial chemicals that have been thrown away. Pesticides and pharmaceuticals are dangerous once discarded.
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) consists of items that are corrosive, flammable, toxic, or contain reactive ingredients. Common household items including paint, medicines, batteries, cleaners and pesticides are considered hazardous. At one time, homeowners routinely disposed of these items by pouring them down the drain, dumping them on the ground, or including them in the ordinary trash. As environmental awareness has grown, communities and the US government have begun providing safer disposal options.
HHW can be reduced through the management of consumer environmental waste. Purchasing fewer hazardous products and using environmentally friendly methods for cleaning or healthcare reduces the use of toxic materials. HHW disposal is critical to environmental waste management.
Many communities host designated collection days, drop points, or permanent collection sites for HHW. Businesses can accept products for recycling or disposal. For example, computers and cell phones are picked up at office supply stores. Sometimes engine oil can be taken to your local auto repair shop for recycling.
Environmental waste management aims to minimize hazardous waste. EPA researches safer ways to reuse and recycle hazardous materials. The agency analyzes, tests, samples and monitors the impact of waste on the environment,
Many companies are implementing environmental management systems (EMS) to improve the management of environmental waste. These practices ensure that a business complies with regulations and successfully manages waste. An EMS can increase work efficiency and operations.
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