Hazardous waste refers to waste materials that pose a threat to the environment and human health. Hazardous wastes encompass substances that require special processing, storage, and disposal methods. Due to their chemical, biological, or physical properties, hazardous wastes can cause environmental pollution and health issues for people in the region if released into the environment in an uncontrolled manner. Proper disposal or recycling of hazardous wastes is crucial to prevent their potential dangers.
Hazardous waste types containing a multitude of chemical substances can generally be flammable, combustible, carcinogenic, irritating, explosive, reactive, and toxic. Therefore, hazardous wastes present numerous risks to the environment and human health. Whether the wastes are hazardous or not is determined by examining the quantities and types of components present in them.
What Are Hazardous Wastes?
In the Hazardous Waste Control Regulation, hazardous wastes are classified into specific categories. Hazardous waste codes are determined based on the classes of waste. Hazardous waste is classified according to the level of danger and its source.
Chemical Wastes
Chemical wastes are waste materials from various sectors such as chemical production facilities and by-products from the paint and varnish industry. Substances like acids, alkalis, and solvents fall into the category of hazardous chemical waste. Uncontrolled release of these wastes into the environment can lead to water and soil pollution.
Medical Wastes
Medical wastes are generated from healthcare facilities such as hospitals, clinics, and laboratories. Hazardous medical wastes like needles, materials carrying infection risks, and used medical products require special management. Uncontrolled spreading of these wastes can cause serious health issues within the community.
Radioactive Wastes
Radioactive wastes result from nuclear facilities, radiological medical applications, and research. Hazardous radioactive wastes can emit high levels of radiation that may harm human health and the environment. Hence, radioactive wastes can be recycled or disposed of following hazardous waste regulations.
Electronic Wastes (e-Wastes)
Electronic waste consists of discarded or used electronic equipment and products like computers, mobile phones, and televisions. Such wastes pose a significant risk to the environment due to the hazardous metals and components they contain.
Wastes Contaminated with Hazardous Substances
Materials, equipment, or packaging that have come into contact with hazardous chemical substances fall into this category. Therefore, the recovery and disposal of materials contaminated with hazardous substances require special precautions.
Wastes Posing Disease Risks
Wastes resulting from epidemiological studies, disease outbreaks, and similar reasons fall into this group. The uncontrolled spread of wastes posing disease risks can jeopardize public health.
Industrial Wastes
Hazardous wastes from factories, production facilities, and industrial enterprises are categorized as industrial waste. These include various types of industrial waste such as chemicals, oils, and metal residues.
Hazardous waste recyling prevents hazardous waste from harming the environment and human health. The correct collection, transportation, storage, and recovery or disposal of these wastes are essential. Adherence to the regulations specified in hazardous waste management is crucial given the potential severe consequences such as environmental pollution, health issues, and disruption of ecological balance. Proper handling of these types of waste is extremely important for the preservation of the environment and human health.
