Is hazardous chemical waste the same as “red-bag,” infectious, biohazardous, or medical waste?
Not at all. One of the most common misconceptions is that hazardous chemical waste can be “red-bagged.” Red-bag waste is, by definition, biohazardous, infectious waste. Treatments such as autoclaving, microwaving, or incineration at a regulated medical waste facility render the infectious waste harmless but is not proper treatment for hazardous chemical waste as defined by the EPA. Hazardous chemical waste must be properly stored, manifested, transported, and incinerated following specific regulations and using federally permitted transporters and incineration firms. “Cradle-to-grave” tracking ensures that hazardous chemical waste reaches the appropriate treatment facility. RCRA-permitted incineration facilities, known as TSDFs (Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities) burn these chemicals at temperatures high enough to break down the chemicals into their individual components, such as carbon dioxide and water. All potentially toxic elements and compounds, such as heavy metals and
