Correct waste disposal and recycling is a hot topic at the moment, as many more people are thinking carefully about how to reduce their waste production; as well as making sure any current waste is properly disposed of or recycled. This becomes a particularly important issue when dealing with hazardous waste, as the nature of the substances means they must be disposed of more carefully than other types of waste. Whether you’re an individual or business, proper hazardous waste disposal is important; both legally and morally.
If you’re not sure about which types of waste are hazardous, how it can be disposed of, and why proper disposal is so vital, then read on for our brief guide.
What is hazardous waste?
The term hazardous waste covers any waste substance which could cause harm to humans or the environment, including materials such as asbestos, batteries, solvents, pesticides and hazardous waste containers. It also covers certain non-edible oils such as car oil, and hazardous chemicals like print toner or disinfectants.
Hazardous waste can be in the form of a gas, liquid or solid, and it can’t be disposed of in the same way as other types of waste like organic waste or recyclable materials.
Methods of disposal
In the majority of cases, you will need a specialist waste disposal company to collect and dispose of your hazardous waste in a safe manner. Often, hazardous waste will be treated first, using chemical methods such as oxidation or ion exchange, or a thermal method like incineration.
Incineration can detoxify certain forms of hazardous waste, and in some cases destroy it completely, although this does create an issue of air pollution. Another way to treat hazardous waste is by using a biological treatment such as landfarming; this involves mixing the waste with surface soil and microbes, which help to metabolise the waste.
There are also physical methods which reduce the volume of waste, including evaporation, flotation and secure landfill sites. In some extreme cases, waste can be enclosed in plastic, concrete or asphalt, in a process known as encapsulation.
Why is proper disposal so important?
Improper disposal of hazardous waste can cause great damage to both humans and the environment, in the form or air, soil or water pollution, and the spread of diseases. Proper disposal is vital for health and safety management, and there are also laws and regulations that must be followed to ensure the waste is being disposed of properly.
You can incur a fine for failing to dispose of your hazardous waste properly, so it’s vital to follow the proper guidelines, both for the safety of the environment, and your wallet.
If you’re in need of professional hazardous waste disposal in London, get in touch with Brewsters Waste Management. We’re experienced in the safe and legal disposal of many types of hazardous waste, and offer a range of services to suit you, including 24 hour emergency response, asbestos removal, tank cleaning, contaminated soil services and much more. To discuss your requirements further, give us a call today or visit the website.