How to Dispose of Hazardous Waste in Landfills

In most areas, the disposal of hazardous waste in landfills is strictly regulated by law to avoid threats to the environment and public health. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates all aspects of hazardous wastes, including treatment, storage, and disposal, although states are free to create regulations that are stricter than the federal standard. This high level of government oversight, in addition to making accidents and non-compliance less likely, also serves to clearly map out the path to follow for the disposal of hazardous waste.

Things You'll Need

• Hazardous waste
• Environmental agency directory

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Instructions

• 1

  Make sure that the hazardous waste is in a closed container and that no liquids, fumes or particles can escape containment. Seal off the space and evacuate the room where the materials are stored in the case of highly toxic materials, such as mercury, then contact your local poison control center immediately.

• 2

  Contact the agency that manages hazardous waste in your area to learn of any steps to be followed in disposing of your hazardous waste. Contact the EPA in the United States: it has an online directory with contact details for its regional and state offices and a toll-free phone number for local questions about hazardous waste disposal.

• 3

  Choose a landfill nearby to avoid long-distance transport of wastes. Take your less-toxic waste, such as properly contained used paint or motor oil, to local waste collection centers. Research the rules for disposal and operating hours beforehand to avoid transporting items you cannot drop off or that are more than accepted quantities.

• 4

  Fill out any required paperwork regarding your waste for recordkeeping and permitting purposes; the EPA mandates that all hazardous waste disposal facilities keep accurate records in order to maintain a hazardous waste disposal permit.