Dispose of chemical-related waste in a safe manner
For chemical-related waste the supplier should first explore the option of returning it to the respective chemical vendor or manufacturer, using proper transportation.
Disposal methods
Facilities can dispose of the chemical-related waste by one of the following options:
On-site or off-site Incineration at >1000 °C:
Incineration is a thermal waste treatment process that involves the combustion of organic substances contained in waste materials. On-site incineration occurs at the incinerator which is owned and managed by the supplier. Off-site incineration occurs at facilities not owned or operated by the supplier. Incineration of waste materials converts the waste into ash, flue gas and heat. The heat generated can be recovered and used. The ash generated must be disposed of only in landfills with significant control measures.
Landfill with significant control measures:
Landfills are engineered facilities used to manage the disposal of solid waste. They facilitate the storage and slow degradation of material in a manner that is safe to the surrounding environment. Many types of landfills exist, depending on the type of waste they are designed to receive. Some landfill types include municipal solid waste, industrial waste, construction and demolition debris, ash and coal burning residues, and toxic/harmful substances.
The primary pollutants produced by the degradation of material are gas and leachate. Leachate is a liquid produced by the percolation of water through waste and has a high concentration of potentially harmful pollutants. Additional safeguards implemented in modern landfills prevent leachate and gas from harming the environment, human health and safety. Landfills can be lined and sealed with natural clay and soils or with geotextiles and synthetic membranes. The goal is to prevent chemicals in the waste from polluting the surrounding environment, including groundwater. This type of landfill determines the types and thickness of lining (natural and/or synthetic) needed to prevent exposure to the environment. Once landfills are filled with the appropriate waste, they are sealed off.
Building products processed at >1000 °C:
Waste is manufactured into construction materials including concrete, concrete aggregates, ceramics, brick, mortar, stucco, grout, etc. The manufacturing processes occur at high temperatures (>1000°C) over a long period, efficiently oxidising and destroying most organic compounds. Fly ash, a by-product from incineration processes may also be blended into the building product manufacturing processes. In some cases, ash can be added up to 20% of the volume into the standard recipe to create cement products such as cement blocks without compromising the final products' strength.
Documentation
For each of these disposal pathways, the facility should maintain proper documentation containing relevant technical information. As well as collect a declaration from the waste disposal facility or authorised waste contractor.