Chapter 15 - Hazardous Waste

Abstract

This chapter discusses the state of knowledge in the field of hazardous waste engineering, tracing the quantities of wastes generated in the nation from handling and processing options through transportation controls, to resource recovery, and ultimate disposal alternatives. The methods involved in waste processing include chemical stabilization/fixation, volume reduction, waste segregation, detoxification, degradation, and encapsulation. Hazardous wastes are transported across the nation on trucks, rail flatcars, and barges. Truck transportation and particularly small-truck transportation is a highly visible and constant threat to public safety and the environment. The major concerns over hazardous waste haulers include operator training, insurance coverage, and special registration of transport vehicles. The concept of a cradle-to-grave tracking system has long been considered key to proper management of hazardous waste. This system serves four major purposes: it provides the government with a means of tracking waste within a given state and determining quantities, types, and locations where the waste originates and is ultimately disposed of; it certifies that wastes being hauled are accurately described to the manager of the processing/disposing facility; it provides information for recommended emergency response if a copy of the manifest is not returned to the generator; and it provides database for future planning within a state. Other issues related to transportation of hazardous waste include packaging, labeling, placarding, and accident reporting. Incinerators and landfills can be used as waste disposal alternatives, whereas waste transfers and clearinghouses act to minimize the flow of waste to disposal sites and serve as resource recovery alternatives.