Waste Not: On Disposing Hazardous Material

Many synthetic substances were formulated in order to serve useful roles, such as lubrication and fuel. However, these same substances also happen to be pollutants, and are extremely dangerous to the environment, animals, and people. Materials such as propane, gasoline, motor oil, antifreeze, fertilizer, mercury, household cleaning agents, and even certain types of paint are considered hazardous, and need to be disposed of properly to prevent toxic contaminations.

Due to the danger it poses, hazardous waste cannot be dumped into a landfill. Certain chemical waste also cannot be disposed of through incineration, since these materials could give off poisonous fumes upon burning. Most importantly, toxic waste should not be left to stand under the rain, since rainwater can mix with the materials and create a highly noxious storm water runoff.

Fortunately, there are ways to safely dispose of hazardous waste. Toxic waste that is safe to burn can be burnt securely inside a controlled environment while the more dangerous materials can be buried inside secure containers. Perhaps one of the most effective and sustainable methods of disposing these substances is to dilute the materials by adding other chemicals or biological agents into them, turning the resulting mixture into a harmless substance.

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Cigarettes Butts: A Very Dangerous Type of Waste

Universally considered as hazardous to personal health, cigarettes may have even more harmful effects than what is commonly known. According to a study by researchers from the San Diego State University, cigarettes don’t only pollute the air; the continued littering of discarded cigarette butts and filters, packaging, as well as used matches, also impacts the environment.

Smokers might assume that cigarette butts are not harmful to the environment as they seem to easily decompose and eventually turn into mulch. This often leads to the complete disregard for the proper disposal of cigarette butts, as it often finds its way discarded on the road side, on sidewalks, and even flushed down the toilet.

What many don’t realize is that filters don’t decompose easily. The paper will eventually be dissolved and the filter will simply turn into individual fibers that are non-biodegradable and must be collected. Used butts also contain the exact same toxins, nicotine, and carcinogens found in cigarettes and cigars. These can easily contaminate the environment, finding its way to water sources.

When conducting waste water management services, professionals often find used cigarette butts as one of the most common items in septic tanks, sewers, storm drains, and other waste water containers. While professionals in hazardous waste disposal have the means to address the cigarette butts and other related waste products from a physical standpoint, the harmful chemicals that may have already been absorbed by the environment may present a bigger problem later on.

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