RCRA - Ignitable, Reactive, or Incompatible Wastes

Ignitable, reactive, and incompatible wastes must be treated with particular care to ensure that no ignition or reactions take place. Incompatible wastes are combinations of wastes that are prone to reactions or ignitions when mixed together. For instance, mixing sodium or aluminum with acetylene sludge could produce an explosion, even though none of these materials are explosive on their own. When dealing with ignitable, reactive, or incompatible wastes, Treatments, Storage, and Disposal Facilities (TSDFs) must follow these rules:

• Maintain these wastes away from all sources of ignition or reactions, including the following:
  • Open flames
  • Smoking
  • Cutting or welding activities
  • Sparks
  • Heat-producing chemical reactions
  • Radiant heat
• Place "No Smoking" signs in plain view in any area where there may be a hazard of ignition or reaction of the wastes that are present, and designate tobacco smoking areas in safe locations.
• Prevent chemical reactions that do the following:
  • Generate extreme heat or pressure, fire or explosions, or violent reactions
  • Release uncontrolled toxic mists, fumes, dusts, or gases
  • Produce uncontrolled flammable fumes or gases
  • Damage the structural integrity of the facility

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