First, these things in the pictures are familiar to us right?

Laundry detergents, to bleach, to bug

repellents, smartphones and computers. These are produced in factories using chemicals. A lot of
chemicals are tend to be left as waste, and many of these wastes are called hazardous wastes.
As I have said earlier, we will discuss about hazardous wastes, its types, the laws governing them, on
how to dispose them. But first, I will discuss what hazardous wastes are.

What are Hazardous Wastes?
-is waste that poses substantial or potential threats to public health or the environment
-May be solids, liquids or gases
-Biggest source of toxins are chemical & petroleum industries

Kinds of Hazardous Wastes
1. Corrosive - A corrosive material can wear away (corrode) or destroy a substance. For example, most
acids are corrosives that can eat through metal, burn skin on contact, and give off vapors that burn the
eyes

2. Ignitable - An ignitable material can burst into flames easily. It poses a fire hazard; can irritate the
skin, eyes, and lungs; and may give off harmful vapors. Gasoline, paint, and furniture polish are ignitable.

3. Reactive - A reactive material can explode or create poisonous gas when combined with other
chemicals. For example, chlorine bleach and ammonia are reactive and create a poisonous gas when
they come into contact with each other.

4. Toxic - Toxic materials or substances can poison people and other life. Toxic substances can cause
illness and even death if swallowed or absorbed through the skin. Pesticides, weed killers, and many
household cleaners are toxic.

Some examples of hazardous wastes:
Dyes, cleansers and solvents
PCBs (polychlorinated biphenys) used in insulating material, plastics solvents, lubricants, and
sealants
Toxic heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and zinc
Pesticides (economic hazards)
Radioactive wastes

The waste can harm humans, animals, and plants if they encounter these toxins buried in the ground, in
stream runoff, in groundwater that supplies drinking water, or in floodwaters.

According to the Institute of Chemical Waste Management, about 15% of our garbage is classified as
toxic, and only 85% (approximately) of that is disposed of properly. The rest is either illegally dumped or
accidentally mixed up with non-toxic garbage. That 15% may not seem like a lot, but when you consider
the millions of tons of toxic waste that we produce every year, that 15% is enormous
According to the Institute of Chemical Waste Management, about 15% of our garbage is classified as
toxic, and only 85% (approximately) of that is disposed of properly. The rest is either illegally dumped or
accidentally mixed up with non-toxic garbage. That 15% may not seem like a lot, but when you consider
the millions of tons of toxic waste that we produce every year, that 15% is enormous

Effects of hazardous wastes:
When hazardous wastes are released in the air, water, or on the land they can spread, contaminating
even more of the environment and posing greater threats to our health.
A hazardous substance can cause injury or death to a person, plant, or animal if:
-A large amount is released at one time
-A small amount is released many times at the same place
-The substance does not become diluted
-The substance is very toxic (for example, arsenic).