Hazardous Waste Management Quiz

Managing and Storing Hazardous Waste and Compressed Gases

• Managing hazardous waste and compressed gases is crucial to protect public health and the environment
• Proper handling ensures safety
• Hazardous waste contains harmful materials threatening human health and the environment
• These materials can be toxic, flammable, reactive, radioactive, or corrosive
• Examples include industrial chemicals, medical waste, radioactive materials, and electronic waste
• Proper disposal involves careful collection, storage, transport, and safe disposal.

Examples of Hazardous Waste

• Industrial waste: chemical residues, radioactive materials, and heavy metals
• Medical waste: biological waste and expired medications
• Household waste: old batteries, paints, and pesticides

Major Sources of Hazardous Waste

• Industries (chemical manufacturing, petrochemical plants, mining operations)
• Hospitals and laboratories (biological and chemical waste)
• Households (through products like batteries and pesticides)

Classification of Hazardous Waste

• Hazardous waste is classified based on chemical and physical properties
• Toxic Waste: Chemical toxins (pesticides, agricultural chemicals, heavy metals like lead and mercury), medical waste (expired medications, biologically contaminated materials)
• Flammable Waste: Flammable liquids (gasoline, alcohol, organic solvents), flammable solids (gunpowder, certain plastics)
• Reactive Waste: Chemical reactives (certain acids and strong bases that react violently with water or air), explosives (dynamite, some industrial explosives)
• Radioactive Waste: Nuclear waste (residues from nuclear reactors), radioactive materials (used in medical and industrial research), radioactive devices
• Corrosive Waste: Strong acids (sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid), strong bases (sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide)
• Biological Waste: Infectious biological materials (waste from hospitals and labs), biological pharmaceuticals (expired or contaminated)
• Electronic Waste: Old electronic devices (cell phones, computers, batteries containing heavy metals, toxic substances like mercury and lead)

Comparison of Hazardous Waste and Hazardous Chemicals

• Hazardous Waste: Waste harming health or the environment. Needs safe disposal and strict handling procedures. Waste products needing safe disposal. Safe disposal and management are the focus.
• Hazardous Chemicals: Chemicals with dangerous properties. Requires safe handling and proper storage. Used as raw materials or products. Safe use and handling are the focus.

Key Global Systems for Classifying Hazardous Waste and Their Codes

• GHS (Globally Harmonized System): A global system for classifying and labeling hazardous chemicals and waste, using codes like H200 (explosive), H220 (flammable gas), H300 (fatal if swallowed), and H310 (fatal in contact with skin).
• UN Model Regulations: Guidelines for the safe transport of dangerous goods, including hazardous waste, using codes like UN1203 (Gasoline), UN1789 (Hydrochloric acid), and UN3077/3082 (environmentally hazardous substances, solid/liquid).
• EWC (European Waste Catalogue): A system for classifying waste based on type and source, using codes like 01 01 01 (waste from mineral excavation) 20 01 13 (solvents) etc.

Managing Hazardous Waste

• Identification: Determine hazardousness by analyzing waste properties; record keeping is crucial.
• Packaging and Labeling: Use approved containers; clearly label hazards (flammable, toxic).
• Temporary Storage: Designate specific safe areas away from residential zones, use secondary containment to prevent leaks and spills.
• Transportation and Disposal: Use certified transporters and proper disposal facilities.
• Documentation and Tracking: Use manifest systems and detailed records for waste movement.
• Training and Awareness: Train employees on safe handling practices. Ensure emergency response preparation involving hazardous waste.

Storage of Hazard Waste

• Sealed Containers: Hazardous waste placed in leak-proof, corrosion-resistant containers. Preventing environmental contamination.
• Underground Storage: Waste buried in special underground sites with tight seals to prevent leaks.
• Specialized Warehouses: Dedicated facilities with safety equipment (ventilation, leak detectors) for storing hazardous waste.
• Freezing Storage: Waste stored at extremely low temperatures to minimize chemical and biological reactions.
• Temporary Storage: Offer short-term solutions before final disposal (e.g., in hospitals before transport). Regular schedules and secure containers.

Dangers of Storing Hazardous Waste

• Leaks: Materials leaking from containers can pollute soil and groundwater impacting wildlife and human health.
• Fires and Explosions: Some wastes may catch fire or react violently, causing property damage and risking lives.
• Air Pollution: Released gases can create air pollution harming human and animal health.
• Health Hazards: Direct contact with hazardous waste can lead to serious illnesses and injuries.
• Geological Instability: Underground storage in unstable areas presents risks like earthquakes or collapses.
• Corrosion and Chemical Reactions: Chemical reactions with each other or containers causing spills and toxic gas production.

Recycling Hazardous Waste

• Recycling Metals: Extracting heavy metals (lead, mercury, copper) from hazardous waste through smelting, electric separation, and filtration. Reduces mining needs, minimizes environmental impact.
• Recycling Solvents: Purifying used chemical solvents for reuse. Reduces production of new solvents, decreasing harmful disposal.
• Recycling Oils: Treating used oils from engines and industries—filtration and chemical treatment— to be reused, reducing pollution and conserving natural resources.
• Recycling Batteries: Crushing and chemically separating used batteries to extract and reuse valuable metals and chemicals, decreasing pollution from disposal.
• Thermal Treatment: Incinerating or thermally decomposing some hazardous waste to reduce volume and make it less dangerous.

Hazardous Waste Disposal Sites in Jordan and Recycling Processes

• Specific locations in Jordan for hazardous waste. Recycling processes: metal extraction, oil purification, and thermal treatment. Waste disposal and treatment sites include Swaqa and Ghabawi.