What are the different types of hazardous waste?
Hazardous waste is defined as waste that poses significant or possible risks to public health or the environment. Generally, dangerous products include hazardous waste. They frequently have one or more of the following dangerous characteristics: ignition, reactivity, corrosivity, and toxicity.
Hazardous wastes can exist in a variety of physical states, including gases, liquids, and solids. A hazardous waste is a specific form of waste since it cannot be disposed of in the same way, which other by-products of our daily life may.
In this blog, we will discuss about the different types of hazardous waste.
Hazardous Waste Classification
Hazardous wastes frequently differ from one another. When improperly treated or managed, these wastes can have severe environmental consequences. That is why, understanding the basic classification groups of each are essential.
A: Listed Wastes
When it comes to listed wastes, there are four sub-types to consider. Among these are waste from the F-list, K-list, P-list, and U-list.
· F-List Waste
Simply put, the F-list comprises any waste that has an unknown origin yet is produced by manufacturing or industrial operations.Because, they can be generated in a variety of industries and production processes, their ultimate source becomes ambiguous.
The F-list wastes can be classified into seven classes based on the procedures that generate them. These are the source identification groups:
· Dioxin-containing wastes
· Wood-preservation waste
· Used solvent wastes
· Sludges from petroleum refinery waste
· Production of chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons
· Leachate from many sources
· Waste from electroplating and other metal finishing processes
· K-List Wastes
In contrast to F-list waste, K-list wastes are particular wastes with specified industry sources. Certain manufacturing and treatment activities generate wastewater and sludge that can be identified as hazardous wastes. They are categorised as source-specific hazardous wastes, since their sources are specific. The following are the top industries that generate K-list waste:
1. Iron and steel manufacturing
2. Refining of petroleum
3. Production of inorganic pigments
4. Manufacturing of explosives
5. Ink creation
· P-List and U-List Waste
Commercial chemical goods on the P-list and U-list are disposed but not recycled. To be categorized as one of these wastes, they must meet precise criteria and be commercial grade formulations of specific leftover chemicals.
To be considered P-list or U-list wastes, wastes must be thrown and unused and match the following criteria:
- It must contain one of the substances on the P or U list.
- The waste's chemical must be discarded.
- A commercial chemical product must be used to dispose of the waste.
B: Characteristic Wastes
Unlike listed wastes, these distinctive wastes are identified based on the traits they exhibit. The four waste-related qualities are listed below.
1. Ignitability
- Any flammable waste that can cause a fire.
- Examples include liquids with flashpoints below 140 °F, non-liquids that can ignite under certain conditions, and compressed gases.
2. Corrosion
- Any waste (usually acids and bases) with the propensity to rust and disintegrate, and melt through steel materials.
3. Reactivity
- Any waste that is explosive or unstable under normal circumstances.
- Examples include any waste capable of exploding or detonating and emitting poisonous fumes.
4. Toxicology
- Any waste that is lethal when swallowed or absorbed.
- Examples include lithium-ion batteries and other materials that, if eaten, can be fatal.
C: Universal Wastes
Universal wastes, often known as generally created wastes, are a type of hazardous waste. These wastes are among the most common and are frequently labelled as "hazardous items."
Universal waste can be generated both at home and at work and comprises items such as:
• Batteries
• Televisions, lighting, and other WEEE products
• Pesticides
• Cans of aerosol
• Mercury-containing equipment
D: Mixed Wastes
Finally, mixed wastes are those that contain both hazardous and radioactive components. Because, they contain hazardous and radioactive components, mixed wastes are managed and disposed of differently.
Conclusion
If your firm or group generates hazardous waste, you must be aware of the right disposal techniques. Now that you've learned about all of the many forms of waste, their classifications/categorizations, and samples of each, make sure you're appropriately disposing of them.
How can we assist?
Netsol Water has over 10+ years of experience in water, wastewater and solid waste treatment. Call +91 9650608473 or send an email to enquiry@netsolwater.com to know more about hazardous waste management and its treatment systems.