For most people, the phrase ‘hazardous waste’ is synonymous with tanks filled with a dangerous-looking slimy substance. In as much as this may be true, it is not always the case. By definition, hazardous waste refers to toxic, corrosive, flammable, or reactive waste. Combustible waste comprises liquid with flashpoints and solids that burn spontaneously, oxidizers, and compressed gases. Corrosive substances are those that eat into the containers in which they are stored. Reactive materials are those that are unstable and can, therefore, quickly form toxic byproducts, especially when mixed with water.
So it is imperative to adopt proper waste management, disposal, collection, and storage to ensure hazardous waste is properly contained. Discussed below are some of the ways of disposing of dangerous waste:
Waste Incineration
This method involves burning hazardous waste into incombustible residues, usually done in areas where there are little or no spaces for constructing landfills. The process usually involves first detoxifying the waste to reduce releasing gases into the atmosphere. This is often an ideal option for detoxification and minimization of waste. However, this is often a rather expensive endeavor due to its high operating costs.
Landfill Disposal
This hazardous waste disposal involves the storage of solid toxic waste in the ground. However, these are not your ordinary landfills. These landfills are usually lined with multiple layer non-porous material such as clay to prevent them from leaching waste into the ground. Upon proper development, hazardous wastes are then dumped into the landfills continually. The landfills are usually covered to avoid entry of rodents and insects. Notably, this disposal technique takes up a lot of space and may require serious investment.
Waste disposal at sea
This method involves depositing hazardous waste into the deep sea to minimize its effect on groundwater sources. Past practices did not include waste treatment before disposal based on the illusion that the large seawater volume could dilute the dangerous substances in the waste. This has since changed. Hazardous waste in now first treated before being dumped into the sea to reduce threats posed to marine life as well as land animals that use such water for other purposes. However, it is essential to note that this method is heavily regulated and even banned by various environmental protection and preservation agencies around the world to conserve water resources.
Underground Waste Disposal
This method is an ideal and economical choice, especially for radioactive waste. Such waste occurs primarily from lab experiments, dangerous ore mining, conducting medical tests, and generation of nuclear energy, among others. This waste disposal method is usually done in inactive or partially active mines that meet specific geological or technical considerations.
Bottom line
Improper management of hazardous waste risks your health and may attract significant fines from your local authority. Therefore, it is essential to utilize effective hazardous waste disposal techniques to safely rid of waste. Some waste disposal companies’ offer training services to this effect to ensure proper hazardous waste management.
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