Disposing of hazardous waste, whether it’s from your home or your business, can seem complicated and risky if you don’t know what you’re doing.
But the truth is, there are plenty of safe ways to do this that don’t require a lot of money or specialized training.
In fact, with just a few basic tips, you can be well on your way to safely disposing of any hazardous waste you may have around the house or office right now.
Let’s take a look at some useful tips for safely disposing of hazardous waste…
- Finding the Right Supplier
- Packaging Properly
- Transporting Carefully
- Storing Securely
- Disposal Properly
- Conclusion
Finding the Right Supplier
When it comes to finding a supplier, you will want to think about how much hazardous waste you are producing.
If you produce a lot, it might make sense to work with a skip-hire company that specializes in disposing of hazardous waste.
It’s also wise to find out the cost before hiring them.
You will also want to consider the time frame required.
Ask your supplier if they have an expedited service or if they can pick up your waste on short notice.
If your business is active 24/7, then this might be an important consideration.
Packaging Properly
The first step to disposing of hazardous waste safely is to pack it properly otherwise it can be harmful to health and society.
The two most important things to keep in mind when packing a container are that the package should be leak-proof, and the container should be strong enough that it won’t break if it gets dropped.
A good way to do this is by placing the hazardous material inside a durable bag, such as one made from vinyl or nylon, before sealing it shut with tape.
It’s also important not to overfill the container so there’s extra room for movement.
Whenever possible, dispose of hazardous waste in drums with lids and handles that can withstand rough handling without leaking.
If you don’t have drums available, you can use a sturdy cardboard box with packing material around the sides and bottom.
Transporting Carefully
- When transporting hazardous waste, be sure to use the proper containers. Make sure that the containers are in good condition and are labeled as hazardous materials. Do not mix chemicals together, or transport different materials in the same container.
- If you must carry a container with a broken seal, cover it with a plastic bag to prevent leakage or accidental contact with skin, eyes or clothing.
- Keep out of reach of children and animals at all times, and never allow children near containers that contain chemicals such as chlorine bleach or ammonia-based cleaners; these are toxic if swallowed!
Storing Securely
Since the wrong place can mean a trip to the hospital, it’s important to know how to dispose of hazardous waste in a safe and appropriate way.
Read on for five tips on how you can safely dispose of hazardous waste:
- Always check your local laws before starting any project. You may not be allowed to put certain items in your trash or recycling bins or you may need special permits. Check with your city, county, or state government agency first before disposing of anything.
- Be sure that you have the right kind of container.
- Label all containers that will hold hazardous materials so that they are clearly marked and recognizable from other things in your home. Make sure you have enough space for storing containers outside the house as well as indoors if necessary. Remember that some containers require special care such as refrigeration so make sure you know what is needed beforehand!
- Keep dangerous chemicals out of reach of children and pets at all times. Make sure they are stored away from food and water supplies just to be safe.
- Keep an emergency plan handy in case something happens while you’re working with hazardous materials like spills or fires. If there isn’t one already, consider making one now before disposing of more hazardous materials!
Disposal Properly
It is important to dispose of hazardous waste properly in order to prevent harmful chemicals from entering the environment and harming people and animals.
There are five easy ways that you can dispose of hazardous waste without putting anyone in danger:
- Bring it to a drop-off facility;
- Scavenge the materials;
- Recycle the materials;
- Incinerate the materials;
- And, last but not least, dilute and disperse them.
Conclusion
Did I miss anything? Let me know.
Let me know if I missed any Disposing of Hazardous Waste tips.
Were your favorite tips not included here? Leave a comment below and I’ll add it as soon as possible.
