Hear the term hazardous and it’s easy to presume disposal methods are the same. However, there are different classifications of hazardous waste and this determines the proper disposal methods.
Knowing the primary difference between hazardous and biohazardous waste is essential if you want to protect the health of everyone from people and animals to the environment.
Hazardous waste isn’t something you want to toss in your garage can. This type of waste doesn’t belong in a landfill and it’s certainly not recyclable. Whether you’re generating hazardous waste at home, on the job, or at a healthcare facility, trash bags and garbage cans aren’t the way to go.
Generally speaking, hazardous waste is anything flammable, reactive, or explosive. Yes, if you color your hair the dye is reactive but it also doesn’t meet the threshold for hazardous waste. We know, it can easily be confusing so it’s usually best to err on the side of caution. So, anything that’s considered a poison, may explode, catch on fire, or cause an injury that may result in infection is generally classified as hazardous waste. Here’s a look at some common examples of hazardous waste you want to keep out of landfills:
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) goes a little further to define hazardous waste. Anything that can cause skin or eye irritation or inhibit breathing is typically considered hazardous waste. Yep, this may mean a lot of what you’re tossing in the trash may fall under this relatively broad category.
Okay, so hazardous waste is already kind of frightening. After all, who wouldn’t be nervous around trash that may cause breathing problems? So, if you’re wondering if biohazardous waste is more dangerous, the answer is a definite yes. Some examples of biohazardous waste include:
Unfortunately, biohazardous waste can also include body parts like arms and legs after an amputation. We apologize for any disturbing visual images this may give you. Obviously, biohazard waste isn’t something that can go in your curbside trash dumpster. Talk about freaking out the trash collection crew when they see a body part poking out of a garbage bag.
So, to answer the question what is biohazardous waste? Pretty much any trash potentially contaminated with bodily fluids is considered biohazardous waste. Chemicals used in labs can also fall under this category, along with pharmaceutical waste like sharps. While some homes can generate biohazardous waste, most of it comes from healthcare facilities.
Properly storing and disposing of hazardous waste is key. You don’t want to be responsible for accidentally injuring someone with your hazardous waste. How you store and dispose of hazardous waste depends on the type. You’re probably going to use a different storage method of flammable waste than if it’s corrosive like an old, leaky battery. Regardless of the type of hazardous waste, some storage and disposal steps stay the same.
You must use an airtight, leak, and waterproof container. Double-check the lid to make sure it tightly seals. All containers must have a hazardous label. You’re also limited on the weight. A storage container can’t hold more than 5 gallons of hazardous waste. Yep, this is usually when your storage container is a tightly sealed metal drum. No, you still can’t arrange for the neighborhood trash service to pick up the sealed container. Remember, hazardous waste can’t go in a landfill. This is one of the few times when there aren’t any exceptions.
You’re going to need to partner with a licensed hazardous waste removal service. Yes, it comes with a fee but it’s cheaper than any potential regulatory penalties. Several state and federal agencies like the EPA and OSHA regulate the disposal of hazardous waste. Not following their guidance can result in pretty hefty penalties.
Once again, most biohazard waste is generated by healthcare facilities and medical labs. However, private residences and other industries can also have biohazardous waste. You already know that your kitchen or office trashcan is a big no-no. You also can’t toss biohazardous waste in an industrial dumpster.
If you’re thinking about simply storing the waste somewhere out of the way on your property, forget about this idea. Legally, you can’t store biohazardous waste for longer than seven days. However, this time there is an exception to the seven-day storage rule. When the stored biohazardous waste weighs under twenty pounds, you can keep it around for up to thirty days.
When it comes to the rules regarding storage either for a week or month, they’re basically the same as for hazardous waste. You need airtight and leakproof containers with a biohazard material warning label. You also need to work with a registered biohazardous waste removal service. Since the waste needs to be removed every week or so, it’s probably a good idea to have a contract with a removal service.
Some larger facilities have the equipment on-site to incinerate hazardous and biohazardous waste. If this applies to your facility, you may be all set. Once a container is full, take it to the thermal autoclave or incinerator. However, most individuals don’t have the necessary equipment sitting around.
Partnering with a waste removal service eliminates the need to purchase expensive equipment. With a contract, you can set up pick-up dates as often as needed. The contract should also lock in a price so unexpected cost increases aren’t a surprise. The removal service can even supply storage containers to help ensure you’re meeting all industry compliance guidelines. Something to keep in mind is to carefully review any contract before signing. The goal of partnering with a disposal service is to make life a little easier while also helping to ensure everyone’s safety.
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