What constitutes hazardous waste?
The U.S. Resource Conservation & Recovery Act (RCRA) of 1976 defines
a material or mixture as a hazardous waste if it possesses any of the following
characteristics:
- Ignitable (e.g., solvents, oils, organic liquids)
-
Corrosive (e.g., acids and bases)
- Toxic (heavy metals, organometallic compounds)
- Reactive (alkali metals, oxidizing agents)
- Unstable (peroxides, perchlorates)
Other specific waste categories include the following:
- Batteries containing lead, mercury, or other heavy metals
(alkaline batteries are excluded!) - Bulbs and lamps containing mercury vapor
- "Sharps" (syringes, needles)
- Beryllium
- "E-waste" (computers, lasers, and other electronic equipment)
