How Is Toxic Waste Formed?

The United States produces over 40 million tons of toxic and hazardous waste on a yearly basis, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Industrial manufacturing processes account for a large portion of this cumulative amount. Other producers include hospitals, automotive repair shops as well as the average, everyday American household. (see Reference 1)

Identification

• Toxic wastes are known for their harmful effects on humans, plants and animals. In many cases, the terms hazardous waste and toxic waste are used interchangeably; however, toxic wastes are particularly dangerous to humans, animals and the environment. According to National Geographic, these materials are typically produced from byproducts of manufacturing, construction, and farming processes among others. Failure to properly contain these byproducts can result in stream runoff where bodies of water become contaminated, ground seepage as a result of attempts to bury waste containers, and air contamination from industrial combustion processes. (see Reference 2)

Hazardous Waste Generators

• According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a hazardous waste generator is any site or individual who generates substantial quantities of waste. There are three categories of generators -- large quantity, small quantity and conditional exempt small quantity generators. Large quantity sites produce 1,000 or more kilograms of hazardous materials, one or more kilograms of acutely hazardous materials or 100 or more kilograms of acute spill residue per month. Small quantity sites produce up to 1,000 kilograms per month, while conditional exempt generators produce up to 100 kilograms per month, or less than 100 kilograms of acute spill residue. (see Reference 1)

Radioactive Waste

• Radioactive waste is a byproduct of nuclear power plant activities, according to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. These plants use the energy from nuclear fission to produce electricity. Nuclear fission involves the spitting of uranium atoms inside a nuclear reactor core. Once an atom is split, large amounts of energy are released. In addition to the energy produced, radioactive waste results from the uranium used in the process. This type of waste remains radioactive for several years of afterwards. As a result, special sites --either underground, or underwater- are required for proper disposal. (see Reference 3)

Chemical Waste

• Chemical toxic wastes can appear as byproducts from manufacturing processes and normal maintenance practices within the agricultural industry, according to the World Health Organization. The burning of fossil fuels within the power plant industry forms carbon dioxide emissions along with other air contaminants that can be harmful to people, animals and the environment. Agricultural processes that use pesticides and chemical fertilizers are also a source of land and soil contamination. Contamination takes place as chemicals seep into the soil or nearby water sources like lakes and rivers. (see Reference 4)

Household Waste

• According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Americans generate as much as 1.6 million tons of toxic waste materials on an annual basis. These materials come in the form of batteries, oils, pesticides and paints, which contain reactive poisonous ingredients. Statistics show the average household can contain as much as 100 pounds of toxic waste inside various storage areas on the property. These materials become especially hazardous when improper disposal methods are used. Improper disposal practices include pouring chemicals down the drain, putting items out for trash pick-up or pouring them on the ground, at which point soil, water supplies and human health are placed at risk. (see Reference 6)