Hazardous Waste vs Special Waste

Hazardous waste is waste that can harm you and the environment if mismanaged. Special wastes are wastes that can cause unknown risks to humans and the environment. Hazardous wastes include household products that contain corrosive solvents or wastes that contain lead and arsenic. Special wastes can include fertilizers or contaminated soil.

Hazardous Waste Definition

• Hazardous waste needs to be classified as toxic.

  According to the Environmental Protection Agency, hazardous waste is defined as materials that are dangerous or hazardous. Hazardous waste is classified as such when the material is ignitable, corrosive, reactive and found to be toxic.

Hazardous Classifications

• Hazardous waste that is carelessly disposed of can be toxic.

  Hazardous waste material is considered ignitable if the waste can create a fire through friction or if the material burns easily. Such materials can include solvents or gas. Materials that are corrosive include industrial-strength cleaners or drain cleaners. Reactive materials can include ammonia and bleach. Materials are toxic when they can be inhaled or ingested with harmful results. Waste products can also be toxic when they are carelessly disposed of in the environment.

Special Waste Definition

• Oil from drilling is considered a special waste.

  According to Allied Waste, the removal of special waste materials requires special handling and permitting due to the potential risks that special wastes can cause to humans, the environment, homes and equipment. Special waste includes materials such as acids, chemicals, oil from drilling and uranium waste. Special waste can be classified into categories including industrial waste and pollution control.

Industrial Waste

• Pesticides used on crops are industrial waste.

  Industrial waste is waste that is composed of solids, semisolids, liquids or gaseous materials. Industrial wastes are formed during industrial or agricultural manufacturing; they are classified as hazardous or non-hazardous. Hazardous industrial and agricultural wastes can include pesticides, paints, chemicals, heavy metals and waste water. Non-hazardous materials are waste materials that don't pose a potential health risk to people or the environment (such as natural gas).

Pollution Control Waste

• Industrialization adds to pollution.

  Pollution control waste is a form of waste created by businesses. According to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, pollution control waste refers to contaminants generated from materials, such as chemicals, being released into the air. Such pollution can be the result of industrial production, which can pump toxic substances into the air and environment.