Hazardous wastes

What is a “hazardous waste”? Wastes that are toxic, highly corrosive or explode easily. Ex: dyes, cleansers, PCB’s (insulating material), heavy metals, radioactive wastes

Laws about hazardous wastes RCRA (Superfund Act)- requires: –Companies to keep track of their wastes –Safe disposal methods –Companies to pay for the clean up if there is a problem

How can hazardous wastes be managed? 1)Produce less – use other less hazardous materials when possible. 2)Reuse materials when possible. 3)Convert hazardous materials into non- hazards or less hazardous. 4)Incinerate – burn the wastes (**may produce other problems!)

Disposal of hazardous wastes Land – disposal methods Deep well injection: pump waste underground Surface impoundment: put into sealed retention ponds, allow water to evaporate and remove waste Dump it on your “neighbors” – politically incorrect

Hazardous wastes in your home Paints, solvents, dyes, cleaning products, metals in electronic equipment, etc… Must be disposed of properly

Motor oil 2 L of oil can pollute 1 million L of water. Do not dump oil into ground or sewers! Oil can be recycled