Knowing how to dispose of hazardous waste is a duty for both society and business owners. Hazardous waste can harm humans, animals and the environment. This waste can be found in the form of solid, liquid, gas, or precipitate. The government has made it easier to dispose of hazardous waste so that there is no reason to dispose of it carelessly.
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Method 1 of 3: Understanding the Definition of Hazardous Waste
Step 1. Understand the meaning of hazardous waste
Hazardous waste cannot be disposed of in a landfill (TPA) like garbage in general. This waste must be disposed of through a proper system so as not to harm humans and the environment. Here are four characteristics of hazardous waste:
- Flammable. This means the waste can quickly start a fire. Waste is considered flammable if it is capable of igniting a fire at a temperature of 60 degrees Celsius.
- Acid/base corrosive waste that can damage the iron layer.
- Reactive waste which is unstable under normal conditions. This waste can trigger an explosion, as well as toxic fumes, gases and vapors when heated.
- Toxic waste that is hazardous or lethal when inhaled or absorbed. This waste can contaminate groundwater if not disposed of properly.
Step 2. Take responsibility for the waste you produce
The responsibility to dispose of these wastes is no joke. Disposal of hazardous waste is regulated by law in many countries.
Companies that do not comply with the law will be subject to fines and other penalties according to applicable laws
Step 3. Study local laws
Almost all countries, including Indonesia, have legal regulations regarding the disposal of hazardous waste. Each country has different systems and regulations. In Indonesia, the procedures for managing and disposing of waste in each city are usually regulated by the Environmental Agency (BLH).
Step 4. Identify the various types of waste that are classified as hazardous waste
There are many people who are not aware that they are dealing with hazardous waste. Take a look at the list of products that should not be thrown away carelessly below:
- Automotive products. The products in question include antifreeze materials, fluids, engine oils, and fuels.
- Different types of batteries
- Incandescent lamps. Most older incandescent bulbs contain mercury.
- Household cleaning tools, such as liquid ammonia, drain cleaners, and rust removers.
- Paint.
- Chemicals for gardening.
- Chemicals used in swimming pools.
Method 2 of 3: Disposing of Hazardous Household Waste
Step 1. Identify household waste which is considered hazardous waste
Hazardous waste can be easily found in homes. Here are some of the types of hazardous waste that you will most often find in your home:
- High chemical cleaning fluid
- Paint/tiner
- Antifreeze (for vehicles)
- Weed killer poison
- Insecticide/pesticide
Step 2. Use a garbage collection service
Most of the housing estates already have garbage collection regulations. Never mix hazardous waste with ordinary waste. The environment will be more awake if you separate the garbage. Unfortunately, garbage collection services are not specifically regulated by the state so you may not be able to use this service. Of course, there will be a fee for picking up trash at home.
- Check the nearest landfill location to see if your home can use a garbage collection service.
- There are many different types of waste wrappers that can be used for different types of waste. For example, you can request a special container for disposing of batteries, used syringes, or extra strong bags for heavy waste.
Step 3. Find a waste disposal or management site
For those of you who can't use a garbage collection service at home, delivering it directly to the disposal site is an option that you can try. Most local government websites are equipped with information on disposal sites or waste management. Usually, waste disposal facilities already have a specific schedule for managing things like paint, used oil, and various other household wastes.
Step 4. Try to recycle hazardous waste
You may be able to recycle some of the waste at home. Some waste management sites receive materials such as batteries and cell phones on a regular basis for recycling. Look for opportunities to recycle waste. Most schools and communities usually accept paint scraps that can still be used. So just give it to those in need.
Go to your local repair shop to sell your leftover vehicle lubricant products. Some repair shops even accept products such as antifreeze liquid for recycling
Step 5. Request a shipment of recycling tools
Some organizations, such as the Environment Agency, are willing to send a number of simple recycling tools to deal with household waste. After confirming your location, you'll usually need to fill out a form online. In the form you must enter some information regarding the type of waste and your address. The tools will then be sent by post. The type of tool provided depends on the type of waste you report in the form.
Step 6. Organize a collective waste disposal movement
If there is no good waste disposal system, the community will definitely want to join and work together. You can set a hazardous waste collection location in your area if it doesn't already exist. Contact the nearest waste management location to find out how to organize the household waste collection process.
- Waste collection can be done routinely or only once.
- You should consult with waste management regarding the handling of hazardous waste. Do not dispose of the waste manually.
Step 7. Use products that do not contain harmful substances
Buy the product you need as needed and look for alternatives to those products if there are any. Instead of using chemical cleaners, you can install a filter to prevent dirt from entering the drain. Flush the drain with hot water or warm vinegar.
- Use baking soda and a wire brush in place of the kitchen counter cleaner.
- Consider using an aerosol-free product such as a deodorizing spray. Instead, sprinkle baking soda out in the open or make an orange peel deodorizer string.
Method 3 of 3: Disposing of Hazardous Commercial Waste
Step 1. Hire an experienced consultant
The company will benefit from the presence of waste management. Experts can be invited to your business location to review existing waste and provide opinions. They can determine the type of waste based on the group and amount. In Indonesia, hazardous commercial waste is known as B3 waste. Here are some examples of B3 waste based on their origin:
- Industrial waste, namely waste originating from the food and chemical industry. This waste can be in the form of solids, liquids, and gases that have no economic value.
- Clothing waste, namely waste generated from the production process of ready-to-wear fabrics and clothes, such as printed batik. This waste is water used to wash cloth that has been dyed so that it contains dangerous toxins.
- Metal and electronic waste. This waste is generated by the manufacturing or processing of metals and electronic components in the form of dust and hazardous substances such as carbon monoxide (CO) gas.
- In the United States, B3 waste is classified based on the volume of waste generated by commercial enterprises. This classification is strictly regulated by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency).
Step 2. Follow various outreach programs to tackle hazardous commercial waste
This program is usually created by the regional Environmental Agency (BLH). By following it, you can find out the right technique for dealing with hazardous waste in your company. In the United States, there is a similar program under the name WasteWise. This program can help business owners to develop their businesses without harming the environment.
Caring for environmental sustainability will open up opportunities to expand business connections and gain public sympathy
Step 3. Consider reducing the amount of waste generated from the production process
Many companies are looking for ways to reduce the amount of chemicals used so that less hazardous waste is generated. Here are some of the ways recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States:
- Lean manufacturing, which is a way of reducing waste by eliminating the use of substances that are not really needed.
- Energy recovery systems can be produced from the gasification process. Gasification is a process to convert carbon-based materials into synthetic gas. This gas can be used as fuel for power generation, as well as various other purposes.
- An Environmental Management System (EMS) is a system for reviewing a company's track record on the environment.
- Green chemistry is a design for making products and chemicals capable of dealing with hazardous substances.
Step 4. Reduce the use of hazardous materials and try to start recycling
Most products that have the potential to become hazardous waste can be recycled, or renewed. This process is an act of removing the usable part of a used product. For example, you can get acetone from cleaning solutions and lead from metal objects.
- Zinc can be obtained from smelting fireplaces.
- Used oil, hydraulic fluids, refrigerator compressors, and many other items can be found in used cars and refrigerators.
- Batteries can also be recycled.
Step 5. Locate the waste burial area
Hazardous waste burial areas include Final Disposal Sites (TPA), waste collection locations, and injection wells. These places are closely monitored by the government to maintain the health of the residents there, as well as reduce the negative impact on the surrounding environment.
Step 6. Make sure the license you have is still valid
The Ministry of Environment and Forestry can issue a permit to ensure that your business has good waste management, storage and disposal standards. In the United States, these permits are usually issued by state governments or local EPA officers. Applications for permits can also be made online.
