As defined by Wikipedia in their article on chemical waste, it encompasses any surplus, unused, or unwanted chemicals, especially those that pose risks to human health and the environment. Chemical waste can fall into various categories, including hazardous waste, non-hazardous waste, universal waste, or household hazardous waste.
Hazardous waste, in particular, exhibits one or more of four critical characteristics: ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, and toxicity. To determine the appropriate handling and disposal methods for chemicals, individuals often refer to a chemical’s Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). Radioactive waste and biohazardous waste require specialized handling and disposal due to their unique properties.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) strictly prohibits the disposal of certain materials down drains. Consequently, hazardous chemical waste generated in laboratory settings is typically stored on-site in suitable waste containers, awaiting collection and disposal by specialist contractors. This stringent approach is essential to meet safety, health, and legislative requirements.
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