Non-Hazardous Waste

Waste that is classified as non-hazardous is material that doesn’t pose a threat to people’s health or the environment. Examples of this waste include garbage, sludge and refuse that come from a variety of sectors and industries like construction, mining, agricultural, municipal and industrial.

Generally, this waste comes in a liquid, semi-solid or solid state. Typically, the waste comes from the byproducts of the manufacturing process along with commercial products themselves.

One primary form of non-hazardous waste is residual waste. The materials that are classified as residual come in many different forms, such as gases, liquids or solids. Typically, mining, agricultural and industrial activities produce them. This waste is so common that in Pennsylvania alone, each year, organizations generate over 20 million tons of solid residual waste. On top of the solid waste, even more is produced in liquid or semi-liquid forms.

As there is so much waste produced, companies often need residual waste haulers to begin the disposal process. Companies should also be aware that though residual waste is not classified as hazardous, some of the products included in that category can still cause great harm if disposed of improperly. To make sure the disposal process is done right, many companies employ residual waste transportation services to handle it for them.

Hazardous Waste

As you might have guessed from the definition of non-hazardous waste, hazardous waste does pose a threat to the health and safety of the environment and other people.

Understanding the different categories of hazardous waste can help you ensure that you discard your waste properly. The five categories of hazardous waste are:

1. Listed Waste

The EPA has assigned different kinds of waste to lists to classify them:

• F-list: Waste on the F-list are wastes that come from typical industrial or manufacturing processes. Because a variety of industries generate this type of waste, it is referred to as non-specific source waste.

• K-list: Unlike the F-list, K-list waste comes from specific industries, such as pesticide manufacturing and petroleum refining. This type of waste has a liquid quality to it and typically comes in the forms of sludge or wastewater. Because it’s clear which industry these wastes come from, they are referred to as source-specific wastes.

• P-list and U-list: These lists describe commercial chemical products that have been discarded in an unused form.

2. Characterized Waste

• Along with the materials found on the above lists, there a number of other types of waste that need to be classified. Other materials can be considered as hazardous if they have the following characteristics:

• Ignitable: The material can catch or create fire in particular conditions, has a flashpoint that’s less than 140 degrees Fahrenheit and has the potential to spontaneously combust.

• Corrosive: Waste with this quality will have bases or acids that can corrode drums, metal tanks or other waste containers. To check this, you’ll want to see if the waste has a pH that is less than or equal to two or if it has one that is greater than or equal to 12.5.

• Reactive: This kind of waste will be unstable even in normal conditions. Their instability can produce vapors, toxic fumes, gases and explosions when they are mixed with water, compressed or heated.

• Toxic: These materials will be harmful, even lethal, to people or the environment if absorbed. It’s important to be aware of how to properly dispose of toxic materials, as they can absorb into the ground and eventually reach groundwater, contaminating it and harming water supplies.

3. Universal Waste

• Materials classified as universal waste are materials that are commonly used by the general public but are still hazardous. This type of waste includes batteries, lamps and equipment containing mercury and pesticides.

4. Mixed Waste

• Mixed waste is defined as waste that has both hazardous and radioactive components. This waste is usually commercially generated and is common in industries like nuclear, pharmaceutical and medical.

5. E-Waste

• The newest player on the hazardous material scene is e-waste. This kind of waste is sometimes referred to as electronic or electrical waste and has been proliferating as people become more reliant on tech. Typical e-waste includes old phones, computers, TVs, fridges, coffee makers, toasters, printers and other similar products. As these devices are made up of a variety of components, there’s a higher chance they contain hazardous material.

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​6. PLASTIC WASTE​

• Plastic being an integral part of our life has otherwise become a menace in garbage after being thrown irresponsibly after its use. In India, 60% of the 15,000 tons (1000 kg is 1 ton) of plastic waste generated every day is being recycled to new products. The rest 40% are being dumped/burnt in landfill/dumping site. Most of the other dry waste (rubber, glass, paper, cardboard, plastic cans etc.) are being removed by the informal sectors as they are being offered good value by the recyclers. Its only plastic carry bags/packing materials which are generally seen left over along with wet waste and some inerts. These waste do not bio-degrade but will remain as it is for several years polluting our environment; a serious cause of worry.

• The presence of plastic in garbage is one of the factors which is hampering source segregation and further handling of waste. In-spite of many efforts being made by the city corporations, source segregation is still remains challenge.