What do you do when the byproduct of several necessary industrial processes could pose a risk to the environment and the people in it? You establish airtight processes that are designed to ensure those risks don’t manifest into disaster. It’s what our company and others in the industry are built around and committed to: Hazardous waste disposal.
While the professionals at ACE Environmental are the ones who respond to environmental emergencies and perform inspections aimed at preventing such incidents, public knowledge remains one of the most effective tools in ensuring safety. In this blog, we’re going to discuss the risks of improper disposal, as well as the benefits and best practices around proper hazardous waste management.
The Risks of Improper Hazardous Waste Disposal
Because there are so many kinds of hazardous waste out there—all with different dangers associated with them—there are several risks associated with their improper disposal.
Health Hazards
Severe health issues among the population are a major risk. When someone is exposed to toxic chemicals, they can suffer from a variety of immediate and long-term health issues—skin irritation, respiratory issues, organ damage, and even long-term issues such as cancer. If this contamination is in the air or water, harmful effects can spread throughout entire communities.
Environmental Damage
Unchecked hazardous waste can potentially seep into water sources, soil, and the air itself. Drinking water can be poisoned, which poses a serious danger to wildlife and even entire ecosystems. Toxins that have been released into the air contribute to air pollution, leading to low air quality and respiratory issues.
Legal and Financial Consequences
Though the main concern with poor hazardous waste removal is the health of people and the environment, there are legal considerations to consider, as well. Businesses and individuals who fail to follow proper laws and procedures around disposal stand to face significant fines and even incarceration. Not sure what these laws and regulations are? Entities like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) list such requirements on their websites.
Best Practices for Hazardous Waste Removal
There are plenty of measures you can (and should) take to ensure proper hazardous waste disposal.
- Identify and Classify Waste: The first step is vital, as it determines the method of disposal. Identifying and classifying hazardous waste ensures proper handling based on EPA guidelines.
- Safe Storage and Handling: Storage in leak-proof, properly labeled containers is imperative for preventing spills and exposure to vulnerable parties (humans, animals, and the environment). All businesses that deal with hazardous waste in any way should hold routine employee training sessions for storage and handling.
- Regulatory Compliance: The agencies we listed above are vital resources for regulatory compliance. This step isn’t optional if you want to maximize safety and avoid legal ramifications. The guidelines set forth by these agencies outline waste treatment, transportation, and even recordkeeping.
- Working with Professionals: Hazardous waste disposal is no small feat, so working with a group of professionals who know the process inside and out is the best way to ensure it’s done right, i.e., no corner-cutting or bare-minimum efforts. The team at ACE Environmental has decades of combined experience in this field and will make sure people and the world around them are properly safeguarded from harmful substances.
Benefits of Proper Hazardous Waste Management
There’s a laundry list of reasons to ensure proper hazardous waste management, but they all stem from these primary ones:
- Public Health Protection: When we dispose of waste in the proper manner, we’re keeping exposure to dangerous chemicals to a minimum. This doesn’t just safeguard the workers implementing the measures, but the public at large, as well.
- Environmental Pollution Avoidance: When all the proper procedures are followed, we avoid contaminating natural resources, which in turn keeps the air, water, and soil clean.
- Legal Compliance: Nobody wants to deal with legal woes, and following regulations is a great way to avoid them while demonstrating individuals and corporate responsibility.
- Sustainability: There are several hazardous materials that can be recycled, treated, and repurposed in some way. When you practice sustainable waste management, you can conserve vital resources and reduce your carbon footprint.
The Experts at ACE Know How to Handle Waste
That should be our tagline! But really, hazardous waste disposal is our bread and butter. We’ve been at it for years, and we’re proud of the work we do to mitigate damage to the environment and maximize public safety. Believe us when we say that every person who understands the risks and benefits of proper hazardous waste management really makes a difference. If you’re ready to partner with trusted pros, we’re happy to take care of your hazardous waste disposal needs. And if you ever find yourself in an unfortunate situation involving such hazards, we’re ready to make it right. Get in touch with us and let’s keep the environment safe!
