Hazardous Waste

The Problem Household hazardous waste along with E-waste is not only becoming an enormous problem locally in developed nations but also a major issue on a global scale. “A hazardous waste is a waste that exhibits a hazardous characteristic or is a listed waste. There are four criteria that define a characteristic hazardous waste. They are: 1. Ignitability, 2. Corrosivity, 3. Reactivity, 4. Toxicity.” These materials can be flammable, reactive, or unstable enough to release toxic fumes into the atmosphere. They are capable of corroding metal containers such as tanks, barrels, and drums. Currently, the Environmental Protection Agency has over 500 items designated as hazardous waste. Examples of household hazardous waste include, but are not limited to, solvents, pesticides, paint, gasoline, ammonia, antifreeze, batteries, and pool chemicals. These materials are consumed by millions of people around the world on a daily basis. However, these materials can pose immediate or long-term risks to humans, animals, and plants in our environment when not disposed of properly. E-waste can be defined as electronic consumer items as LCD displays, cell phones, computers, fax machines, stereo equipment, and cameras to name a few. Also included in E-waste are the thousands of miles of cabling required to run the electronic devices. These devices do not disappear when they break, or become obsolete. Some end up in the basement or garage, and some end up in landfills. They pose a threat to our environment when not disposed of properly. We are throwing household hazardous waste and E-waste away for numerous reasons. For example, if you paint a room in your house you will probably end up with some left over paint. When you are finished consuming the paint, you can either discard it, or store it in your garage. We reason we discard electronic devices is that they become obsolete. We are not going to be able to use the same computer for more than a few years.