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Questions and Answers
Which organization is responsible for regulating hazardous waste disposal?
What is a hazardous material defined as?
What is the primary goal of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)?
Which hazardous material class includes explosives?
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Which agency oversees the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations regarding hazardous waste?
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What is classified under Class 5 of the DOT hazardous materials?
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Which of the following classes describes corrosive materials?
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Which of these outcomes is NOT a goal of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)?
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What is the primary purpose of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)?
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What does the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) primarily focus on?
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic used to classify hazardous waste?
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What is the flash point for a waste to be classified as ignitable under hazardous waste regulations?
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Which act increased the enforcement authority of the EPA regarding hazardous waste?
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Which type of waste is classified as corrosive if its pH is below 2.0?
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What does the Superfund Amendment and Re-Authorization Act (SARA) primarily address?
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Which of the following substances is an example of a reactive waste?
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Which of the following is considered a characteristic hazardous waste?
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What is the implication of mixing a listed hazardous waste with solid waste?
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Which of the following is part of the four requirements to manage hazardous waste properly?
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What is NOT a correct component when dealing with hazardous waste containers?
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What is a Discarded Chemical Commercial Product (DCCP)?
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Which of the following heavy metals is NOT mentioned as an example of hazardous waste?
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What should be done immediately after adding hazardous waste to a container?
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Which statement best describes the Mixture Rule?
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Study Notes
Hazardous Waste
- Hazardous waste is subject to regulation from "cradle to grave"
- The main governing act is the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) of 1976
- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the authority for enforcement
Waste Characteristics
- Four main characteristics classify waste as hazardous: Ignitability, Corrosivity, Reactivity, and Toxicity
- Ignitable Waste: Has a flashpoint below 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Examples include Acetonitrile, alcohols, acetone, toluene, xylene, ether.
- Corrosive Waste: Has a pH less than 2 or greater than 12.5. Examples include Acids, glass cleaner, hydroxides, bases, drain cleaners.
- Reactive Waste: Unstable waste, may explode under certain conditions such as heat, friction, or pressure. Examples include Picric acid, peroxide-forming chemicals, ethyl ethers, dinitro compounds.
- Toxic Waste: Fails the Toxic Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) Test. Examples include heavy metals: mercury, lead, silver, chromic acid
The Mixture Rule
- A mixture of a hazardous and solid waste is considered hazardous if:
- The mixture exhibits any of the hazardous waste characteristics
- The hazardous waste is listed as a hazardous waste.
- The mixture rule applies even if the solid waste is not considered hazardous on its own.
- The entire mixture becomes subject to regulations as hazardous waste.
- Example: One quart of spent methylene chloride (F002) mixed with 500 gallons of used oil becomes 500.25 gallons of hazardous waste.
Avoiding Hazardous Waste Trouble
- Always clearly label containers as "Hazardous Waste"
- Use a completed waste tag with no abbreviations
- Keep containers closed except when adding waste
- Ensure proper hazardous waste training
Hazardous Waste Containers
- Liquids: Use 5-gallon carboys provided by EHS that are DOT-approved. Do not use lab glassware, beakers, or flasks.
- Small Containers: Create your own containers by defacing previous labeling. EHS will provide packing material (boxes, absorbent) for transporting.
Discarded Chemical Commercial Product (DCCP)
- A DCCP is a listed hazardous waste that was once a commercial product.
Other Classifications of Hazardous Material
- Hazardous Material refers to a substance or material that may adversely affect safety during transportation. It is governed by the Department of Transportation (DOT).
- Nine (9) DOT Hazard Classes: Explosive, Gases, Flammable/Combustible Liquid, Spontaneously Combustible, Oxidizer/Organic Peroxide, Poison, Radioactive, Corrosive, Miscellaneous Dangerous Material.
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)
- Also known as Superfund, CERCLA was enacted in 1980 to remedy past mistakes in hazardous waste management.
Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments (HSWA)
- Enacted in 1984, the HSWA phased out land disposal of hazardous waste.
- It initiated a comprehensive underground storage tank program and increased EPA enforcement authority.
Superfund Amendment and Re-Authorization Act (SARA)
- Re-authorized funding for abandoned site clean-up in 1986.
- Required OSHA to establish safety and health standards for hazardous waste operations and emergency response.
- Established three sections (Titles I, II, and III).
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) - "Cradle to Grave"
- RCRA guides the management of hazardous waste from generation to disposal.
- It includes generation, transportation, treatment, and recovery processes.
Hazardous Waste Classification
- Classifying waste as hazardous involves a multi-step process:
- Is the waste a solid waste?
- Is the waste excluded?
- Is the waste listed?
- Does the waste display a characteristic?
- Is the waste a regulated mixture?
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Description
Test your knowledge on hazardous waste management and the regulations that govern it. This quiz covers the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and the four main characteristics of hazardous waste: Ignitability, Corrosivity, Reactivity, and Toxicity. Challenge yourself and learn about the specific examples of hazardous materials!
