Chemical waste disposal methods are regulated by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) through the RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.) Chemical waste cannot be disposed of through regular trash or in a sewer system. Most chemical waste disposal is to be handled by a hazardous waste program, such as. Environmental Marketing Services.
Chemical Waste Disposal
Laboratories generate a wide variety of chemical waste that needs to be properly labeled, stored, and disposed of to comply with federal and local laws. Knowing how to dispose of chemical waste ensures your facility is following all regulations that will not only avoid costly fines but will ensure the safety of your staff and the environment.
The first step in disposing of chemical waste is to apply for an EPA ID number. Talk to the experts at Environmental Marketing Service to learn more about this application and the information required from your facility. The amount of hazardous waste your facility generates will determine how your application should be handled.
Treatment of Chemical Waste Disposal
Growing concerns regarding the health of the environment have led the RCRA to create an environmentally sound and cost-effective approach to manage and dispose of chemical hazardous waste materials. Based on the mandates created, the EPA formed a ‘cradle-to-grave’ regulatory program. This program manages the full life cycle:
- Production of the chemical waste
- Chemical waste transportation
- Chemical waste treatment
- Storage of the chemicals
- Chemical waste disposal
This information will focus on the final stage- chemical waste disposal. Recycling is a preferred method, however, it is not always possible. Chemical waste treatment is another method of handling chemical waste. There are numerous ways to treat hazardous waste:
Chemically
Treating hazardous waste chemically involves precipitation, ion exchange, oxidation, or reduction. Chemical precipitation uses a chemical reaction to create separable particulate matter. This is achieved by either changing the substance into an insoluble form or by changing the properties of the material to diminish the solubility of the waste.
Thermally
Chemical waste incineration uses high-temperature incineration. This process is done through a liquid-injection incinerator, multiple-hearth furnace, fluidized-bed incinerator, or a rotary kiln.
Biologically
Biologically disposing of chemical waste involves landfarming. Landfarming treats organic waste in a designated area of land where the surface soil is conscientiously blended with the waste materials. In some cases, there is waste metabolizing, and nutrients added to the soil to enhance treatment.
Physically
Physically treating chemical waste can involve flotation, evaporation, filtration, or solidification. Solidification involves using plastic, concrete, or asphalt to contain the waste. This process will create a solid, leach-resistant mass.
Methods of Chemical Waste Disposal
Learning how to handle chemical waste disposal takes a lot of effort, time, and the creation of detailed protocols. The experts at Environmental Marketing Services will help you stay up-to-date on all disposal and storage requirements as well as keep you in good standing with the law. These are some of the disposal services we can offer:
On-Site Chemical Material Identification and Inventory
To conduct chemical waste disposal, your facility must have an accurate and up-to-date identification and inventory system. A hazardous chemical inventory list is a list of all potentially harmful products or materials in your facility. Environmental Marketing Services will begin on-site chemical material identification and inventory by:
Assessment of Inventory
A review of your chemical inventory is performed to understand your facility’s needs and forecast all future requirements.
Identification of Chemicals
All chemicals are identified, labeled, and separated into compatible groups. This process will ensure compliance with all regulations as well as the safety of your facility.
Safe Packaging
Packaging methods used by Environmental Marketing Service are done using the highest standards set forth by all regulatory bodies. Our packaging will guarantee chemicals are transported and disposed of safely.
Audits
On-site audits are also a part of Environmental Marketing Service’s lab-packing service. These on-site audits will identify unknown, or unlabeled chemicals in your inventory.
Lab-Pack Waste Disposal
Environmental Marketing Service follows all regulations and laws under the Department of Transportation (DOT), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and other state and local governing entities. Our lab-pack waste disposal process is an effective method for your facility to dispose of excess and outdated chemicals.
Vacuum Truck Service
Vacuum trucks are vehicles equipped with a strong vacuum hose that is used to pick up liquids. The liquids are then pumped into the truck vessel. Environmental Marketing Service uses these vehicles to dispose of septic tank liquids, oil, water, large grease traps, waste from sand traps, and more.
Empty Drums and Totes Recycling
Environmental Marketing Service offers cost-effective, reliable drum management services for empty drums and totes used in your chemical waste disposal processes. These drums and totes can be collected, transported, and made ready for proper treatment or disposal depending on your needs.
Wastewater, Wash Water, and Rinsewater Disposal
Various industries use water for the cleaning process of heavy equipment and parts. This use of water can send significant amounts of harmful contaminants into the environment. Talk to the experts at Environmental Marketing Services to learn more about their wastewater management services or how to recycle your wash water.
Cylinder and Compressed Gas Management and Disposal
Compressed gas cylinder management is a major concern for hazardous waste generators. Issues with the discovery of cylinders of varying types with no labeling, damaged labeling, or wrong labeling are creating significant problems for companies and laboratories to properly manage. Talk to the professionals at Environmental Marketing Services to learn more about the proper management of compressed gas cylinders.
Herbicides and Pesticides Disposal
Never pour herbicides or pesticides down the street drain, into the sewer, in a toilet, or down the drain. Municipal drinking water and wastewater treatment systems are typically not equipped to remove these chemicals from the drinking water system. If these harmful chemicals reach the waterways, they can harm plants, fish, or any other living thing. Environmental Marketing Services can help with the disposal process of these harmful chemicals.
Mixed Waste- Radioactive and Hazardous Disposal
Mixed waste is typically a combination of biological, chemical, and radioactive wastes. The disposal and removal of mixed waste materials is expensive and requires special handling. Mixed waste of radioactive and hazardous materials cannot be disposed of through normal vendors as special permits are required for handling these wastes. Environmental Marketing Services has the necessary expertise required to handle the disposal of your chemical waste needs.
These are just some of the many services Environmental Marketing Services can offer your facility.
Chemical Waste Disposal in Your Area
Environmental Marketing Services serves clients in forty-seven states (excluding Hawaii, Alaska, and New Jersey.) Our services include efficient and safe transportation and disposal of a wide variety of waste materials, including non-hazardous, and universal wastes.
Our long history of offering waste management solutions with top-of-the-art technology and cost-effective methods has made us a favorite of both large and small generators. Contact us today and learn how we can provide chemical waste disposal services for your laboratory or any facility, following all government regulations and safety protocols. We make it a commitment to meet your needs and the needs of the environment no matter which waste you generate.
