Abstract
Improving waste management to ensure resource recovery and responsible disposal requires us to consider all waste types. This extends beyond general household and commercial waste arising in daily life, which are typically deemed ‘non-hazardous’. This chapter discusses the definition of hazardous and toxic waste, including the properties which classify a solid or liquid waste as hazardous. Major sources of hazardous wastes are summarised here, and the prevailing options for management are explained. Hazardous waste, as with non-hazardous waste, needs to be handled in the most sustainable way that we can determine by avoiding direct disposal and maximising the recovery of resources, whilst ensuring that the potential impacts on environmental and human health are kept as low as reasonably practicable. The treatment options provided, including thermal and chemical processing, suit different types of waste (solid or liquid; combustible or non-combustible). Decisions based on an understanding of the waste are therefore important. Case studies are presented on specific wastes, treated wood and animal carcase, along with a case study which demonstrates the severe environmental consequences of poor hazardous waste management.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
