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Summary:
- Hazardous waste can harm humans and the environment and must be stored, transported and disposed of safely.
- There are four main types of hazardous waste: listened wastes, characteristic wastes, universal wastes and mixed wastes.
- Different container types are better suited to various hazardous materials.
- The most used container types include plastic or metal open and closed top drums and IBC containers.
Hazardous waste can be extremely dangerous if it comes into contact with people or other living creatures. If disposed of incorrectly, the waste poses a threat to human health and the environment. In 1976, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) worked with Congress to develop the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), which helped create a framework for the safe and appropriate management of hazardous waste.
Today, individuals and commercial entities must use the proper containers to store and transport hazardous materials. With so many categories of hazardous waste, it’s essential to understand what is regarded as toxic and what packaging materials are suitable for storing this waste. Choosing the right storage equipment keeps people safe and ensures compliance with federal regulations.
To find the correct hazardous waste container types, you must first understand different types of waste, dealing with varying quantities and what labels to look for. Besides packaging shipping barrels correctly, you must mark them with the correct classification. Otherwise, they may pose a threat to handlers because they’re unaware of what’s inside the container.
Types of Waste
Hazardous waste refers to materials that may have harmful effects on people’s health and the environment. It is typically created as a by-product of manufacturing or other industrial activities. Hazardous waste is an umbrella term encompassing many substances. The EPA outlines four main categories to classify waste, and each one has specific risks and recommended disposal methods.
The four categories are:
- Listed wastes
- Characteristic wastes
- Universal wastes
- Mixed wastes
The amount of waste you’re dealing with also has an impact on what containers you can use. Certain types of waste require you to use a container of a minimum size for storage and transportation. This is to accommodate for potential reactions, such as expansion. For example, a glass container can be used to store one pint of a Class IA material, but that same container can store one gallon of Class II material.
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Container Types
The material the container is made from should have a significant influence on your decision. Ensure you don’t mix potentially reactive materials. It is against federal law to combine incompatible wastes. This helps to prevent dangerous reactions like explosions or fires.
A lot of hazardous waste is highly corrosive, so it must be transported in a suitable container. Hazmat boxes, plastic-lined drums and steel drums are all used to house different classifications of hazardous waste.
Some of the most commonly used hazardous waste container types include:
These are used to store materials like corrosive liquid sludge, flammable liquid sludge and toxic liquids. The drums must be less than five years old, and users should leave extra space to allow fluid expansion.
These are different from tight head drums and are unsuitable for storing liquids. Plastic open head drums are ideal for storing corrosive, flammable and toxic solids. They must not be more than five years old and shouldn’t be modified.
Tight head drums have a sealed top with a bung and spout for accessing the contents. These are very strong containers and are quite versatile. They can store and transport most materials, but corrosive substances can compromise the steel, so they should be avoided. Plastic is more suitable for corrosive elements.
Metal open-top drums are durable storage options best suited for flammable or toxic solids. Metal drums should never be used for storing corrosive materials, as they may erode the structure of the drum.
IBC containers are useful for carrying large amounts of hazardous waste. They can hold up to 330 gallons of liquid. Available in both metal and plastic, IBCs are useful for storing various substances, including corrosive liquids and flammable liquid sludge. Ensure that a plastic IBC isn’t more than two and a half years old before use.
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Labeling Hazardous Waste Packaging
All hazardous waste containers must be labeled correctly, from standard custom shipping boxes to plastic tight head drums. These labels are diamond-shaped and should display the types of hazards the waste contains. The Department of Transportation lists categories to make this designation easier. For example, the package may indicate “corrosive,” “flammable” or “poison.”
All labels must be at least 4” x 4” and highly visible. Hazardous waste containers must also be marked clearly with the words “HAZARDOUS WASTE.”
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Choose a Reliable Packaging Partner
If your business deals with toxic waste, it’s important to work with a reliable packaging provider to ensure your employees’ safety and remain compliant with government regulations. Air Sea Containers is a leading storage and transportation goods provider, including hazardous waste containers and labels. Explore our website or contact us for more information on the products we stock.
