Tuesday, 27 December 2016

How do I dispose of waste toxic material safely?

Waste toxic material must be disposed of properly. Careless disposal of any hazardous waste presents a potential hazard to many individuals who may not be trained or equipped to deal with unexpected hazardous materials (e.g. caretaking staff, garbage collectors, plumbers, water treatment plant workers, firefighters, etc.). Careless disposal can also cause significant damage to the environment.

The following are some general recommendations for disposal of waste toxic materials:

Always review federal, provincial and local (municipal) government requirements prior to disposal of toxic materials. In some cases, disposal by controlled incineration or secure landfill may be acceptable. Specific requirements may vary depending on the jurisdiction.

Toxic chemical waste must NOT be flushed down sewer or sanitary drains as a method of disposal. This practice is illegal and unsafe.

Do not mix hazardous waste materials with regular garbage destined for a landfill.

Ensure that the waste container used is compatible with the waste material.

Always ensure that the waste container is properly and accurately labelled.

To avoid potential explosions, fires or spills, do not mix incompatible mixtures in a single waste container.

Do not overfill liquid waste containers. Liquid waste containers should only be filled to about three-quarters capacity to allow for vapour expansion and to reduce the potential for spills occurring from moving overfilled containers.

In general, store waste material in the same manner as the non-waste material. Always consult the MSDS for any specific storage and disposal recommendations from the manufacturer/supplier.


Empty containers may contain toxic residues. Do not reuse the containers. Treat the container as hazardous waste unless the containers can be decontaminated safely and properly.

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