| There are many ways to manage hazardous waste, but some are more environmentally beneficial (and more preferred) than others. The Waste Management Hierarchy (below) is a useful tool that illustrates which options are most preferred, along with a brief explanation of each option:
• Source Reduction: Waste can be prevented by changing your process to use less, finding non-hazardous alternatives, or maximizing reuse opportunities;
• Recycling: Many potential wastes can be collected and converted into useful materials, thereby reducing the consumption of fresh raw materials;
• Energy Recovery: Some waste solvents or sludges may have value as fuels for heating or generating power, however, this option may still result in increased air emissions and ash that needs to be landfilled;
• Treatment: Options such as neutralization or thermal destruction may make a waste stream non-hazardous, but still require energy and material inputs. Further, small amounts of pollution may still be released;
• Disposal (or Other Releases): This option offers no environmental benefit.
As you move from top to bottom in the hierarchy, the waste management options have the potential to release more pollution into the environment, and could also consume more natural resources (i.e., raw materials, energy, etc.) Finding the most environmentally beneficial and economically feasible options can be difficult, but our partners at the New York State Pollution Prevention Institute (NYSP2I) can provide assistance with finding source reduction options that meet your facility’s needs. |
