Illegal Dumping – Hazardous Waste

One of the biggest concerns about illegal dumping is the hazardous waste.

Hazardous waste is first defined as Solid Waste.  According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), solid waste is “any garbage or refuse, sludge from a wastewater treatment plant, water supply treatment plant, or air pollution control facility and other discarded material, resulting from industrial, commercial, mining, and agricultural operation, and from community activities. “   Basically,  every activity people participate in creates solid waste. It does not mean it is solid in a sense.  Solid waste can be liquid, or part solid and may even contain gas.

Hazardous waste must first meet the definition of solid waste.  The EPA has a list of items that are excluded from hazardous waste based on the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 40.  Surprisingly, some items on the list are Radioactive Waste, Coke By- Product Wastes, Hazardous Secondary Materials from the Petroleum.  Many more are on the excluded list with reasons they are excluded. Generally, materials are not hazardous waste when recycled.

Hazardous waste is generally listed for most people to access.  It should be published for the community to know and adhere to.  Properly managed hazardous waste is essential to the health of the environment. Unfortunately, those that illegally dump items don’t care that what they dump is harmful to humans and the environment.

There are also items that may not be on the list but are still hazardous. Such items are flammable, a type of acid, or contain chemicals that decompose and enter the soil or water sources. Here is the concern, these toxic elements are in the soil and water sources sometimes for a very long period of time.  Infecting our cells and causing long term illnesses.

It is time to step up the Illegal Dumping Enforcement Program.  For the program to be effective, it must have Illegal Dumping Enforcement Systems that can be placed in remote areas where there is no electricity or internet and still be able to capture evidence that will stand up in court and prosecute.

End illegal dumping – hazardous waste- in your community.