Hazardous waste disposal began to grip public consciousness in the US in the mid-1900s for four key reasons:
- More waste was being produced
- Hazardous material disposal was becoming costlier
- Disposal capacity was dropping
- New disposal facilities were sparking protests.
These growing concerns eventually led to the passage of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) in 1976. The RCRA outlined a model of environmentally sound and cost-effective approaches for managing and disposing of hazardous waste.
Due to the waste’s health and environmental risks, the RCRA framework was comprehensive. Based on its mandates, the EPA created a “cradle-to-grave” regulatory program that managed its entire lifecycle:
- Production
- Transport
- Treatment
- Storage
- Disposal.
This article focuses on the final stage: disposal. There are a few different standard hazardous waste disposal methods. Another increasingly popular way to handle it is to recycle it. While recycling is preferable to other methods, it is not always viable. Treatment is another way to approach waste rather than simply disposing of it. Below, we explore treatment options and the three top disposal methods (along with assessing sustainability), closing out with recycling. Examining these options allows you to determine which hazardous waste disposal is best for your business.
Table of Contents
Understanding Hazardous Waste Disposal & Treatment
Hazardous waste refers to any type of waste material that has the potential to cause harm to human health or the environment. This includes chemical, biological, and physical toxic, corrosive, flammable, or reactive substances. Some common examples of hazardous waste include batteries, pesticides, cleaning products, electronics, medical waste, and industrial chemicals.
The proper disposal of hazardous waste protects human health and the environment. That’s why it’s so important to understand how to dispose of hazardous waste safely and in compliance with regulations. When disposed of incorrectly, these materials contaminate soil, water sources, and air. Exposure to hazardous waste can result in a range of health problems, including respiratory illnesses, cancer, organ damage, and congenital disabilities. It can also harm animals and plants, disrupting ecosystems and endangering wildlife.
First, it is important to identify your waste type to properly dispose of hazardous waste. This can be done by reading the labels and safety data sheets (SDS) provided with these products. The SDS will include information on safely handling, storing, and disposing of the product.
Treatment Options Before Disposal
There are a variety of ways to treat hazardous waste:
- Chemical treatment – e.g., neutralization, precipitation, ion exchange, reduction, or oxidation;
- Thermal treatment – e.g., incineration;
- Biological treatment – e.g., landfarming; and
- Physical treatment – e.g., solidification, flotation, sedimentation, evaporation, or filtration.
The first three categories transform waste at the molecular level, while the fourth results in waste solidification, concentration, or volume decrease.
To destroy some organic waste, in addition to detoxifying it, you can use high-temperature incineration. Equipment used for this purpose includes:
- liquid-injection incinerators,
- multiple-hearth furnaces,
- fluidized-bed incinerators, and
- rotary kilns
Landfarming can be used to treat organic wastes from the petroleum industry or elsewhere. An area of land is designated, and the surface soil is conscientiously blended with the waste. Nutrients and waste-metabolizing microbes can be added to enhance treatment.
A common approach to solidification is to encapsulate the waste with asphalt, plastic, or concrete. This creates a leach-resistant, solid material mass. Regarding sustainability, air pollution is a concern with incineration.
Once hazardous waste has been treated, the next step is final disposal to neutralize its toxicity, reduce its volume, or stabilize its form. The method chosen depends on the type of waste, environmental considerations, regulatory requirements, and available infrastructure.
8 Ways to Dispose of Hazardous Waste
After treatment, hazardous waste must be disposed of in a manner that ensures long-term safety and regulatory compliance. Below are eight standard disposal methods used across industries, each suited to specific types of waste and environmental conditions.
#1: Underground disposal
This method is only compliant when hazardous waste is brought to mines that are either inactive or partially active (along with meeting additional geological and technical specifications). Many companies must dispose of radioactive waste, whether from medical treatments, laboratory experiments, nuclear fuel production, or radioactive ore mining. For those cases, this method is considered a strong, cost-effective option.
According to the EPA, these hazardous material disposal facilities will vary in sustainability. The agency is responsible for protecting people and the natural world by verifying that these units’ design, operation, and maintenance adhere to its standards.
In 2022, approximately 2.32 million cubic feet of radioactive waste were disposed of. Proper disposal in deep geological repositories, like the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) in New Mexico, ensures long-term containment of hazardous substances.
#2: Landfill disposal
Dumpsites and landfills are the most commonly used and oldest hazardous waste disposal methods. Hazardous waste landfills are specially built and are NOT intended for liquid wastes. They are engineered and excavated to be within the ground rather than piling upward.
These landfills are lined with clay, HDPE, or other non-porous materials to prevent the waste from leaching into the ground. Wind dispersal controls, leak protection systems, and a double liner are additional protections so that humans and the environment come into contact with as little waste as possible.
Modern hazardous waste landfills are equipped with sophisticated leachate collection and treatment systems, gas monitoring, and environmental protection. They can cost upwards of $1 million per acre to construct, reflecting the high level of engineering and safeguards required.
Hazardous waste landfills generally do not impact human health. However, a leak can harm people near the landfill.
#3: Ocean dumping
To avoid groundwater contamination, deep-sea depositing is sometimes used. It is necessary to treat hazardous waste before the disposal of hazardous materials, as ocean dumping significantly impacts marine life. This treatment is essential to human health, too, since the waste can make its way to humans when they consume seafood. Some environmental agencies ban this practice, but it is allowed by the EPA if you have a permit and strictly follow its guidelines. (The US Army Corps of Engineers handles all dredged material permits, while the EPA processes the remainder.)
Treatment is critically essential for sustainability. Radioactive waste, industrial waste, and sludge all cause considerable ocean pollution. Mercury and cadmium, toxic heavy metals, are present in about 10 percent of dredged material.
Ocean dumping of hazardous waste is highly controversial due to its potential to devastate marine ecosystems. The London Convention, an international treaty, restricts ocean disposal practices, emphasizing the need for stringent regulation and oversight.
#4: Deep-well injection
A commonly used hazardous waste disposal method is deep-well injection. Deep-well injection involves pumping liquid hazardous waste deep into the earth, below the groundwater level, into porous rock formations. These wells are regulated to ensure the waste does not contaminate water sources or surface ecosystems. This method is beneficial for liquid waste and can be cost-effective. However, there are concerns about the potential for leaks or seismic activity.
The United States has approximately 800 Class I deep-well injection sites capable of handling millions of gallons of hazardous waste annually. These sites undergo rigorous testing and monitoring to detect and prevent leaks, with sensors placed at multiple depths to ensure safety.
#5: Surface impoundments
Surface impoundments are natural or artificial depressions, such as ponds, pits, or lagoons, used to treat, store, or dispose of hazardous waste. These are typically used for liquid waste and can provide a cost-effective solution. However, they require proper lining and monitoring to prevent leakage into the soil and groundwater. Long-term environmental impact and maintenance are critical factors in their sustainability.
Surface impoundments must be lined with impermeable materials like clay or synthetic liners to prevent leachate from contaminating groundwater. Regular inspections and maintenance are essential to ensure the integrity of these containment systems and address any potential breaches.
#6: Incineration
A popular hazardous waste disposal method is incineration. Incineration involves burning hazardous waste at high temperatures to convert it into ash, flue gas, and heat. This method is effective for reducing the volume of waste and destroying toxic organic compounds. However, extensive air pollution control systems are required to capture harmful emissions such as dioxins and furans.
High-temperature incineration, reaching up to 1,200°C (2,192°F), can break down complex hazardous substances. The resulting ash, which still contains hazardous components, must be disposed of in secure landfills. Modern incinerators have scrubbers, filters, and electrostatic precipitators to minimize environmental impact.
#7: Encapsulation
Encapsulation involves enclosing hazardous waste in a solid material such as concrete or plastic to prevent the release of contaminants into the environment. This method benefits solid and semi-solid wastes, including contaminated soil, sludge, and asbestos.
The process typically involves mixing the hazardous waste with a binding agent and pouring it into molds to harden. Encapsulation can significantly reduce the mobility of dangerous components, making them easier and safer to handle and store. This method is often used for the long-term storage of radioactive waste and other materials that require stable containment.
#8: Macroencapsulation
Another hazardous waste disposal method is macroencapsulation, which involves enclosing large volumes of hazardous waste in a durable, impermeable barrier such as steel or concrete containers. This method uses bulky waste materials, including contaminated debris, large equipment, and other industrial waste.
The containers are designed to withstand physical and chemical degradation, ensuring long-term containment of hazardous materials. Macroencapsulation is particularly useful for managing waste that cannot be easily treated or reduced in volume, providing a secure solution for disposal and storage.
Hazardous Waste Disposal Alternative: Recycling
A federal analysis revealed that 1.5 tons of hazardous waste were managed through recycling in 2017. Recycling is preferable to hazardous material disposal for numerous reasons. It results in economic benefits, decreases our national reliance on raw materials, conserves natural resources, prevents pollution, and cuts energy use.
Any of the following are ways that disposal of hazardous materials can be achieved:
- Reclaiming – Regeneration or processing to recover a useful product
- Reuse/use – Substituting it for another product or using it as an industrial ingredient
- Burning to recover energy – Burning for fuel
- Disposal through use – Placement of waste on the land.
Partner with AOTC for Expert Hazardous Waste Disposal Solutions
If you’re a business owner or manager, partnering with a trusted hazardous waste disposal company like AOTC (Alpha Omega Training and Compliance) is essential. AOTC ensures proper handling and disposal of hazardous waste, keeping your business compliant with environmental regulations and avoiding costly fines.
AOTC specializes in compliance, environmental management, and tailored solutions for businesses of all sizes. Our team stays current on state and federal regulations, ensuring your business remains fully compliant.
We also offer customized waste management plans to meet your specific needs. Every business is unique, and we work closely with you to create cost-effective solutions that meet all regulatory standards.
In addition, AOTC provides safety and compliance training programs to educate employees on proper waste handling and disposal, helping minimize risks and workplace accidents.
By choosing AOTC, you can trust that your hazardous waste is handled responsibly and sustainably. Our commitment to environmental stewardship includes renewable energy use and rigorous waste management processes. Contact us today.
FAQs
Because waste can fall into different categories, knowing how to dispose of it properly can be confusing. Here are some frequently asked questions about hazardous waste disposal methods.
Can Hazardous Waste Be Recycled?
Yes, hazardous waste recycling is often preferable as it can lead to economic benefits, reduce reliance on raw materials, conserve natural resources, prevent pollution, and reduce energy use. Methods include reclaiming, reusing, burning for energy recovery, and disposal through use.
What Is the “Cradle-to-Grave” System for Hazardous Waste?
(Explain the “cradle-to-grave” approach, which ensures hazardous waste is tracked and managed responsibly from its creation to final disposal. Discuss how businesses must comply with EPA regulations to prevent environmental harm and legal consequences.)
The “cradle-to-grave” system, mandated by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), tracks hazardous waste from its point of origin (cradle) through its transportation, treatment, and storage until its final disposal (grave). This system ensures that hazardous waste is managed responsibly at every stage to protect human health and the environment.
Systematic & Thorough Industrial Waste Management
Are you considering your options for hazardous waste disposal? At AOTC, we design our industrial waste management services to control your costs and minimize your long-term liability. We even tailor our programs to meet your specific needs. Contact us today to discover how we can help your business with one of these hazardous waste disposal methods. We offer environmental remediation services as well.