When it comes to waste compliance and costs, understanding the difference between hazardous waste vs. hazardous materials can make a big difference. Misclassification can lead to fines, inflated disposal costs and missed opportunities to recycle or reuse materials responsibly.
Here is what you need to know about hazardous waste and hazardous materials, why the distinction matters, and how your business can plan a hazardous waste strategy to reduce waste and costs.
What is Hazardous Waste?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), hazardous waste is waste with properties that make it dangerous or capable of having a harmful effect on human health or the environment. Hazardous waste typically have the following properties:
-
Ignitable (eg: flammable liquids, solvents, alcohol-based product)
-
Corrosive (eg: acids, cleaning chemicals)
-
Reactive (eg: explosive or unstable compounds)
-
Toxic (eg: dangerous substances that can leach into soil or water)
Examples of hazardous waste include paints and cleaners, industrial chemicals, medical waste, pesticides, electronics, and newer types of material such as vape pens and e-cigarettes, hand sanitizers and lithium-ion batteries — once they are discarded, abandoned, or destined for disposal.
What is Hazardous Materials?
Hazardous materials, on the other hand, are substances that pose risks, but are not yet discarded. They are still in use, stored for future use, or are being transported. Hazardous materials may include chemicals, fuels, or other regulated products that, while dangerous, are not considered waste until they are discarded, abandoned or otherwise designated for disposal.
For example, a drum of unused paint thinner in your supply room is a hazardous material. Once that drum is no longer usable or is slated for end-of-life disposal, it becomes hazardous waste.
Why Classification Matters: Hazardous Waste vs. Hazardous Materials
The distinction between hazardous waste and hazardous materials is critical because each is governed under different regulatory frameworks. While the EPA regulates hazardous waste management, the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) set workplace, storage and transportation rules for hazardous materials.
In general, rules for hazardous waste are more prescriptive than those for hazardous materials. Once material is identified as hazardous waste, it must be handled according to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, which outlines strict cradle-to-grave requirements for storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of hazardous waste.
Classification therefore impacts costs, compliance, and sustainability opportunities.
Understanding the difference can help businesses:
1. Avoid Inflated Hazardous Waste Disposal Costs
Treating all regulated materials as hazardous waste can dramatically inflate disposal costs. Businesses that rely on large hazardous waste disposal companies often pay higher costs because of this. Hazardous waste requires more stringent handling, manifests, and specialized disposal methods, which can be costly. By identifying materials that can be recovered, reused, or recycled, businesses can safely reduce the volume of material sent to hazardous waste disposal, lowering packaging, transport, and processing costs.
2. Divert More Waste, Open Up More Sustainability Opportunities
Great Forest’s hazardous waste partner network works with chemists, manufacturers and other experts to develop customized solutions. This may involve analyzing hazardous waste to identify opportunities for reuse, recycling, or material recovery, such as reclaiming solvents, extracting metals, or creating secondary raw materials.
By finding alternative uses or specialized recycling options, businesses can reduce the amount of waste sent for hazardous waste disposal and lower costs, while remaining compliant with regulations. See the case study below.
3. Maintain Compliance
Misclassification can result in fines or legal liability if mishandling leads to spills, fires, or exposure. Accurate tracking and handling also help maintain your company’s reputation for environmental responsibility.
Case Study: How Great Forest Helped one Global Company Cut Hazardous Waste Costs by 25%
One of the world’s largest technology companies approached Great Forest for help to overhaul its costly hazardous waste disposal strategy, which had operated using a one-size-fits-all approach —all regulated materials were treated as hazardous waste, even when some could be safely recycled or reclaimed.
Collaborating with a chemist, Great Forest identified a safe and compliant solution for a large quantity of hand sanitizer. Alcohol was extracted for use in industrial solvents, turning what was once destined for disposal into reusable material. This approach reduced disposal costs by 25% while remaining fully compliant. Read the full case study.
Best Practices for Businesses
1. Train Your Team, Work With Experts
Identifying hazardous waste vs. hazardous materials associated with your business can be a complex process. Employees handling regulated products should understand the difference. Partner with a waste expert to ensure compliance and identify opportunities to cut costs.
2. Review Your Hazardous Waste Disposal Strategy
Are you sending all regulated material to hazardous waste disposal without analysis? Are you missing safe opportunities for recovery, reuse or recycling to reduce costs and environmental impact? Overhauling your approach could lead to large cost savings and less waste.
3. Audit Your Waste Stream
Inventory materials and conduct waste audits regularly. Products sitting unused may degrade and need proper classification. Staying proactive helps avoid surprises. Accurate waste data allows for better planning and waste reduction.
4. Keep Accurate Records
Both hazardous waste and hazardous materials require documentation. Hazardous waste requires manifests; hazardous materials require shipping papers under DOT rules. Maintain clear documentation for compliance and reporting.
Rethinking Hazardous Waste Disposal
Understanding the distinction between hazardous waste and hazardous materials is just one way to optimize your waste strategy. Benefits include:
-
Avoiding unnecessary disposal fees
-
Unlocking opportunities for recycling and reuse
-
Demonstrating commitment to environmental responsibility
-
Staying compliant with all regulations
Looking for smarter ways to manage hazardous waste? Great Forest can help. Our team specializes in finding smarter, more sustainable hazardous waste solutions tailored to your business.
Contact us today to review your hazardous waste streams and explore cost-saving alternatives.
Photo: Atik Sulianami, Unsplash.
Learn More About Hazardous Waste Management
Hazardous Waste Management for Businesses: A Guide to Smarter Solutions
Solutions for Emerging Hazardous Waste: From Vape Pens to Hand Sanitizers
Case Study: Helping A Global Brand Reduce Hazardous Waste Costs by 25%