How to Handle Toxic Waste

Only the EHS is qualified to oversee the handling of toxic waste

Toxic waste is a term that is often used interchangeably with hazardous waste or hazardous material and encompasses any substance or by product that poses a threat to the environment and the organisms that inhabit that environment. The proper handling of toxic waste has long been a hot-button issue in the United States. The EPA has set forth strict guidelines for disposing of toxic chemicals in an effort to minimize the effect they have on our planet.

Things You'll Need

• Protective clothing
• EHS (Environmental Health and Safety) certified containers
• EHS certified labels

Instructions

1. Wear proper protective clothing. This is the most important thing you can do to protect yourself when handling hazardous materials. Protective clothing ranges from using gloves and goggles to jumpsuits and respirators. It all depends on the substance you are handling as to what is needed to protect you. For gases or chemicals that produce fine dust or fumes, masks and respirators are necessary. For highly flammable material you should wear fire-retardant coveralls.

2. Handle toxic waste only in appropriate containers that are clearly labeled. Use containers approved specifically to handle the chemical you place in them. Follow EPA standards and protocol when processing waste material, which also includes properly separating gases, liquids and solids. Use only lids provided with the containers to ensure against spills or leaks.

3. Use approved labels. Get these from EHS (Environmental Health and Safety) and fill out the appropriate information. If there is already a label on the container but it is irrelevant, either remove it or mark it out and place the new label on the container.

4. Arrange to have toxic waste picked up and disposed of by EHS.

Tips & Warnings

• Testing unlabeled chemicals costs as much as $1,700, which is why labeling is important.

• Practice good housekeeping in areas where toxic waste is stored. A neat and tidy area will reduce the risk of accidents and reduce fire hazards.

References

• Encyclopedia: Toxic Waste
• Office of Environmental Health and Safety: Hazardous Waste Handling and Disposal Procedures
• Bowdoin College: Guidelines for Hazardous Materials and Waste Handling
• EHS Today

Resources

• FEMA: Hazardous Materials
• The Florida State University: Hazardous Materials Handling and Storage