How to dispose of hazardous waste
Many businesses generate hazardous waste that must be disposed of by professionals. A company like ENSA provides comprehensive hazardous waste disposal services to meet your needs, whether you need to dispose of a single piece of hazardous waste or a warehouse full.
However, you might be wondering what happens to your hazardous waste after it is collected. Hazardous waste is disposed of in several ways, including thermal, chemical, biological, and physical methods.
Chemical waste disposal
Chemical waste disposal includes precipitation, oxidation and reduction, ion exchange, and neutralisation. These hazardous waste disposal methods work by altering the molecular structure of the waste material.
Thermal waste disposal
In most cases, hazardous waste is disposed of thermally by incineration. Depending on the type of waste, incineration must be performed at extremely high temperatures and can detoxify and destroy waste. Special thermal equipment like fluidised incinerators, multiple-hearth furnaces, and rotary kilns are used to burn the solid, liquid, or slush waste. However, the primary disadvantage of hazardous-waste incineration is that it contributes to air pollution.
Biological waste treatments
Another type of hazardous waste disposal is biological treatment, which is necessary for many organic waste types, including those from the fuel industry. Landfarming is the most common biological treatment of hazardous waste where the waste is mixed with soil in a designated area before special microbes that aid in the metabolisation of waste are added. In addition, nutrients and genetically modified bacteria are sometimes added to help with the process.
Physical treatments
Physical treatments concentrate, solidify, or reduce the volume of hazardous waste rather than changing its molecular structure. Physical disposal techniques include evaporation, sedimentation, flotation, and filtration. Another physical hazardous waste disposal method is solidification, where the waste is contained in concrete, plastic, or asphalt. This encapsulation produces a solid material that prevents leaching. Furthermore, the waste can also be combined with lime, pulverised fuel ash, and water to create a product with the same texture as cement.
Why should you dispose of hazardous waste?
Humans, animals, and the environment can all be harmed by hazardous waste in the form of solids, liquids, gases, or sludge. However, many laws dictate the correct and safe disposal of hazardous waste. For example, hazardous waste cannot be disposed of in landfills like regular trash.
Hazardous waste classifications
- • Flammable waste can easily catch fire and has a flash point of less than 60°C.
- • Corrosive wastes are acids or bases that can corrode metal containers.
- • Reactive wastes are unstable under normal conditions and can cause explosions, toxic fumes, gases, or vapours when heated.
- • When toxic wastes are absorbed or ingested, they can be fatal, and if not correctly disposed of, they can pollute the groundwater.
People often come into contact with hazardous waste without realising it. This includes:
- • Automobile accessories like antifreeze, fluids, motor oils, and petrol.
- • Batteries (these can be recycled).
- • Fluorescent lightbulbs, since older types often contain mercury.
- • Household cleaners including ammonia, drain cleaner, and rust remover.
- • Paints and coatings.
- • Gardening and swimming pool chemicals
Commercial hazardous waste disposal
Companies can benefit from hiring a professional waste management and environmental management company. These consultants are experts in the safest way to dispose of various types of hazardous waste legally.
Contact ENSA for details
ENSA’s hazardous waste disposal approach is extremely versatile and suitable for many businesses. We can handle any volume, from a single bottle to bulk loads. When you choose us to assist you with hazardous waste disposal, we provide a comprehensive service that includes everything from initial analysis to transport and disposal. If you want to know more about how we can assist with your hazardous waste disposal strategy, get in touch with ENSA Environmental representatives today.