In the USA, hazardous waste is a major environmental and human health issue. It includes a wide array of materials that present significant or potential risks to human health and the environment as a result of their toxic, flammable, corrosive, or reactive properties. Hazardous waste is any material that poses a threat to human health and the environment and must be managed and disposed of in an appropriate manner to minimize risk, comply with federal, state, and local regulations.
What is Hazardous Waste
In the United States, the EPA defines hazardous waste as waste that exhibits one or more of a wide range of harmful properties, and poses risks to human health or the environment. Hazardous waste may come from:
- Industrial Operations: Factories and manufacturing plants create waste such as solvents, heavy metals and sludge
- Use of Medical Facilities: Hospitals and clinics create many types of hazardous waste, such as pharmaceuticals and chemicals and biohazard waste
- Household: Hazardous items include batteries, paints, pesticides and electronics
- Asbestos, lead and other materials that require safe handling
There are two main categories of hazardous waste:
- Comprised: waste specifically identified by the EPA, like some industrial by-products
- Hazardous Waste: Waste that contains a characteristic such as ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity
How the USA Regulates Hazardous Waste
Management oversight of hazardous waste in the U.S. is largely achieved via the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), which became law in 1976. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) contains the regulations for treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. Key elements include:
- Identification and Classification: The EPA identifies what are hazardous wastes
- Responsibilities of Generators: Generators of hazardous waste (as defined in 40 CFR 261 your regulatory requirements will depend on whether your business/organization is a small, large or very small quantity generator
- Cradle-to-Grave Management: From the time hazardous waste is generated until it is disposed of or treated, it must be handled by–Waste generators are responsible for hazardous waste
Other pertinent laws include:
- Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA): This federal law addresses some contaminated sites under a program commonly called Superfund
- Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA): Regulates certain hazardous chemicals (PCBs, asbestos)
Problems with Hazardous Waste in the United States
Despite strong regulation, well-managed hazardous waste is far from a solved problem:
- The volume of waste: The U.S. alone creates millions of tons of toxic waste each year. Dealing with that degree of loads and adhering to regulations is a logistical puzzle
- Environmental Damage: Improper disposal of waste can lead to environmental damage and contamination
- E-Waste: The continual expansion of electronic waste (e-waste) adds hazardous waste streams from substances such as lead, mercury, and cadmium contained in electronics
- Legacy Sites: Sites contaminated by past industrial activities, including old factories and landfills, need extensive cleaning under programs like Superfund
- Lack of Knowledge: Many individuals and businesses do not know about hazardous waste regulations; thus they do not handle and dispose of it properly
Management and Disposal of Hazardous Waste
Handling hazardous waste in the U.S. is a multi-step process:
- Identification: A waste generator must know if a waste is hazardous
- Storage: Hazardous waste should be stored in suitable, labelled and approved containers to avoid leaks and spills
- Transportation: Registered hazardous waste transporters are responsible for transporting waste safely to treatment, storage, and disposal facilities (TSDFs)
- Treatment and Disposal Hazardous waste: Hazardous waste can be treated to neutralize its hazardous properties or safely disposed of in regulated landfills or through incineration
Recycling and Other Innovative Solutions
Recycling and recovery programs to minimize waste volumes and support sustainability are examples of modern strategies for hazardous waste management. Examples include:
- Example of E-Waste Recycling: Extraction of gold, silver, and copper from electronic waste
- Recovery of Chemicals: including pharmaceuticals
- Energy recovery: Burn hazardous waste for energy
Impact on Public Health and the Environment
Poorly handled hazardous waste can have catastrophic consequences:
- Health Risks: Exposure to toxic substances can lead to respiratory problems, cancer, nervous system damage, and birth defects
- Environmental Harm: Pollutants can seep into soil, water, and air, harming ecosystems and drinking water supplies
Public Participation Plays an Important Role
Public involvement is a critical component of hazardous waste mangement. Citizens can:
- Participate in Local Programs: Many communities offer hazardous waste collection events for the safe disposal of items like paints and pesticides
- Urge for Policy Reforms: Backing laws that encourage safer waste disposal methods
- Learn and Teach: Raising awareness of the proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials
Hazardous waste is a technical problem that requires action at the federal, state and local level.
The U.S. has made major strides through regulations, such as the RCRA or the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, but there is still a long way to go, especially regarding e-waste and legacy contamination sites. Using sustainable solutions, such as recycling and engaging the public, is critical to minimizing risks and protecting human health and the environment. Through continued innovation and stringent enforcement of compliance, the U.S. can succeed in better managing hazardous waste and moving toward a cleaner and safer future.