Overview of Specific Wastes

Recycling is generally viewed as an environmentally friendly approach to handling the volumes of waste that humans generate. With the intent of encouraging recycling, the RCRA regulations exempt certain recyclable hazardous wastes from its hazardous waste regulations. However, there are some recycling processes that the RCRA regulates because of their potential to endanger human health or the environment. We will take a closer look at the regulations for the following three specific wastes:

• Recyclable materials that contain precious metals
• Spent lead-acid batteries
• Solid waste military munitions

Recycling the foregoing specific wastes may seriously endanger human health and the environment if the recycling process is mismanaged. When people and facilities fail to properly handle hazardous waste materials, not only do they break the law, but they may endanger the health of the personnel handling the material and harm the environment. Recyclable materials vary in toxicity, with some being so toxic that even a tiny drop may cause brain damage. The RCRA regulations, often in concert with regulations from other government agencies, are designed to prevent these hazardous materials from posing dangers.

To learn more about RCRA visit our RCRA Hazardous Waste Safety Online Training web page.