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What Can People Do to Stop Hazardous Waste?

Hazardous waste is harmful to peoples' health, as well as the environment. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) explains that the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) of 1976 requires federal agencies to take necessary measures to control hazardous waste and prevent degradation.

  1. Waste Generation

    • One way to stop hazardous waste is to prevent it from being generated in the first place. RCRA gives the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the power to manage hazardous waste by establishing standards and frameworks for plants that generate such materials. The goal is to educate facilities about non-hazardous alternatives that can still get the job done in a way that does not cause a public and environmental safety concern.

    Recycling/Reusing Programs

    • According to a May 2007 article in "The New York Times," recycling programs are an effective way to minimize hazardous waste. For example, rather than disposing of old car batteries in garbage bins, the article explains that the lead from the batteries can be removed and given to vendors who can reuse it in other ways. Similar programs exist for things such as computers, televisions, computer monitors and even automobile engine oil.

    Containment

    • Keeping hazardous waste as contained as possible prevents it from contaminating the environment and endangering the public's health. Disposal requirements exist for highly toxic materials, such as having designated locations for waste drop-offs. Always check with the city or county's requirements for hazardous waste programs.

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