Any substance or material that can cause harm to people’s health or the environment is classified as hazardous waste. The EPA labels industries or organizations manufacturing these substances as producers of elements or materials detrimental to the public’s health. Regarding that, the authority has methods for disposing of such waste. However, these protocols can only be effective if you can identify the type of hazardous waste you’re dealing with. With this in mind, you can properly treat the waste according to the classification it falls into. So, we have taken the time to classify hazardous waste into five types in this article.
5 Kinds Of Hazardous Waste
Here are the categories of hazardous waste you can encounter daily. Be careful not to come in contact with this waste to avoid infection.
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Listed Waste
Listed waste is classified into three types. First, the EPA considers this waste to be specified and classified as hazardous.
- F-List
The F-list has waste that standard organizations and manufacturing companies contribute. However, the number of companies creating this waste makes it a non-specific source of waste, as directed by the EPA.
- K-List
This waste is from specific industries, including pesticides, petroleum refining, or fertilizers. These wastes are the causes of wastewater or sludge and are labeled by the EPA as source-specific wastes.
- U-list and P-list
These wastes are chemicals from commercial companies which are not properly disposed of. The improper disposal method makes its hazardous waste.
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Characterized Waste
The listed waste above has few wastes. Many materials are exempted from the list but considered hazardous since they meet the characteristic of hazardous waste.
- Ignitability
This hazard is caused by fire or flashpoint. Any material with a spontaneous combustion rate under 140F (60C) is considered hazardous.
- Corrosivity
These wastes are bases or acids. This waste has a PH of 2 or less and is sometimes equal to or less than 12.5. They are corrosive to containers, metal tanks, and drums.
- Reactivity
These waste materials are not stable under normal conditions. They can lead to vaporization, toxic fame, gases, or explosion. They are more reactive when compressed, heated, or come in contact with water.
- Toxicity
This waste becomes toxic when absorbed or ingested. Toxic materials are lethal and cause contamination of groundwater and also soil.
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Universal Waste
Universal waste is more hazardous compared to other waste. These wastes are common materials that can be traced in your home. The category rounds up items like;
- Lamps that contain mercury
- Equipment that contains mercury
- Pesticides
- Batteries
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Mixed Waste
When various hazardous and radioactive wastes combine, the waste becomes mixed waste. Most of the waste is contributed by commercial companies producing radioactive waste combined with other company wastes. Many industries generate mixed waste, primarily from energy, nuclear, medical, pharmaceutical, and other industries.
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E-Waste
E-waste is currently growing in the dangerous world. This waste is called electronic or electrical waste, which comprises old toasters, TVs, printers, old computers, coffee makers, and refrigerators. The materials used in making the components contain hazardous substances from the manufacturing process.
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