What is hazardous waste?
Hazardous waste is a special category of solid waste. It comes in many shapes and forms (solids, powders, liquid). Chemical, metal, and furniture manufacturing are some examples of processes that create hazardous waste. The regulations control all hazardous waste from when it is first generated until it is disposed, destroyed or reused. The regulations define hazardous waste in very specific terms. The U.S.
Anything that is flammable, corrosive, toxic, poisonous, reactive, or explosive is hazardous and should not be put in your trash. Look for words like “Caution,” “Warning” or “Danger” on the label. Common hazardous waste items around the house include paints and solvents, lawn care chemicals, household cleaning products and automotive products. Products such as batteries, thermometers and fluorescent lights are also hazardous. Paints and Solvents Solvents Latex paint, oil-based paint, furniture strippers, paint thinners, etc. Lawn Care Chemicals Fertilizers, pesticides, pool chemicals, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, etc. Cleaning Products Bleach or products containing bleach, ammonia or ammonia-based products, all-purpose cleaners, furniture polish, spot removers, scouring powder, oven cleaner, bathroom cleaners, bug spray, etc. Automotive Products Products Motor oil, oil filters, gasoline, anti-freeze, lubricants, car batteries, brake fluid, transmission fluid, car wax, metal po
This may seem like a simple question, however the answer is somewhat complicated because of special rules and exemptions. The definition begins with an explanation of a “solid waste.” A solid waste is any solid, liquid, or contained gaseous material that is discarded by being disposed of, burned or incinerated, or recycled. (There are some exceptions for recycled materials.) It can be the by-product of a manufacturing process or simply a commercial product that you use in your business–such as a cleaning fluid or battery acid–that is being disposed of. Even materials that are recyclable or can be reused in some way (such as burning used oil for fuel) may be considered solid waste.
Hazardous wastes include, but are not limited to, heavy metals, toxic chemicals, oil, gasoline, paints and solvents. Hazardous waste is any waste generated from the use of a product containing a hazardous or toxic material that, if misused or improperly disposed, can release contaminants that are potentially damaging to the environment and harmful to humans and other living organisms.
