Hazardous Waste Any waste that is a risk to the health of humans or other living things Solids, liquids, and gases Often contain toxic, corrosive, or explosive materials Examples: disinfectant cleansers, machine lubricants, dyes, PCBs, sealants, toxic heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium, zinc), dead batteries, pesticides, radioactive waste, etc.

Problems Love Canal in Niagra Falls, NY (1978) Homes and a school were built on a former toxic waste dump that ended up leaking Cost $275 million to try to fix the problems Improperly stored/discarded waste leak into soil, air, and groundwater

Disposing Hazardous Waste Federal Laws were passed to clean up old waste sites and regulate future waste disposal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA): requires producers to keep records of how they handle hazardous waste from start to finish. Also makes them responsible for future leaking/problems Superfund Act: the EPA can sue the owners of hazardous waste sites who had illegally dumped waste and can force owners to pay for the cleanup. It also created a fund of money to help clean up abandoned sites. MI has 69 Superfund sites as of 2001 (top 4 in the nation)

“Fixing” Hazardous Waste Produce less of it (use something else or reuse it) Treat with chemicals to make the waste less hazardous Deep-well injection: waste is pumped deep into the ground (under the groundwater), and covered with cement to prevent contamination

“Fixing” Hazardous Waste Surface impoundment: like a pond with a sealed bottom where waste can accumulate and water evaporates leaving room for more waste Put in barrels and buried in landfills (extra safety precautions in these types of landfills)

“Fixing” Hazardous Waste Biological Treatment Certain bacteria can break down or absorb hazardous substances Certain plants absorb heavy metals and can be planted in contaminated areas Incineration Burn hazardous waste using special incinerators safely Very expensive to operate Pollution-control devices needed Remaining ash needs to be buried (safe disposal sites)

“Fixing” Hazardous Waste Continued… Exporting: send to landfills in other states or other countries (specialized disposal equipment) Household Hazardous waste: paint, pesticides, batteries, motor oil, computers, cleaners, etc.