Mixed Waste – Hazardous Waste

Radioactive WasteNUCP 2311

Mixed Waste• Waste that contains both radioactive and hazardous

components.• Dual regulatory framework

– Hazardous: Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) - 1976

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)• OR Authorized States

– Radioactive: Atomic Energy Act - 1954• US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)• OR NRC Agreement States• OR US Department of Energy (self regulating)

• RCRA takes precedence over the AEA when the policies are inconsistent.

We know about Radioactive Waste

Pail Smallblue

Large blue

Animalcarcass

Where do we find mixed waste?

What is Hazardous Waste?

Definition – Solid Waste

Waste

Official Definitions (EPA Website)

• Hazardous Waste – A subset of solid wastes that pose substantial or

potential threats to public health or the environment and meet any of the following criteria identified 40 CFR 260 and 261:

• is specifically listed as a hazardous waste by EPA • exhibits one or more of the characteristics of hazardous

waste (ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, and/or toxicity); • is generated by the treatment of hazardous waste; or is

contained in a hazardous waste.

http://www.epa.gov/radiation/mixed-waste/mw_pg5.htm

WHAT IS A HAZARDOUS WASTE?Hazardous by EPA Listing*

Under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), and defined in 40 CFR 261 (Code of Federal Regulations), a solid waste that, because of quantity, concentration, or physical, chemical, or infectious characteristics: (a) causes or significantly increases mortality or serious irreversible or incapacitating reversible illness, or (b) poses a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the environment when improperly managed. About 400 wastes are listed. EPA also regulates certain materials mixed with hazardous waste regardless of the percentage, and those derived from hazardous waste. Examples of derivatives are: sludges, residues, or ashes.

*State and local regulations may also apply

WHAT IS A HAZARDOUS WASTE?

Hazardous by Characteristic*Toxic Poisons, mutagens, carcinogens, controlled substances, dyes, stains,

mercury and other heavy metals..

Reactive Sulfides, cyanides, explosives, substances that react violently with air, water and/or produce toxic gas or vapors

Corrosive Strong acids, strong bases, peroxides.

Ignitable Liquids – acetone, toluene, most solvents; Gasses - hydrogen, methane, ethylene; Solids - aluminum powder, nitrocellulose.

Oxidizer Diethyl ether, inorganic peroxides, nitrate compounds.

Silver Containing Photo fixer, developer, x-ray film.

*Including paper and rags used to clean spills.

EPA Hazardous WastesListed Hazardous Waste:

• “F”- listed– nonspecific sources, spent solvents

• “K”- listed– specific industries

• “P”-listed– acutely hazardous

• “U”- listed– unused off-spec

Characteristic Hazardous Waste• Ignitability: hazardous because they

may ignite, e.g., EPA Haz. No. D001 organic solvents, oxidizers

• Corrosivity: liquids like strong acids and bases (D002)

• Reactivity: solids that react violently, e.g., picric acid, peroxides, elemental sodium (D003)

• Toxicity: based on toxic properties, 8 metals and 32 organic compounds, like As,Hg, PB, Ba,Ag, benzene, chloroform, vinyl chloride.(D004-D0043)

Hazardous Waste Determination• The EPA lists some 400 hazardous wastes. The

descriptions are found in 40 CFR Part 261, subpart 261, Sections 261.31-33. – (“F” list, “K” list, “P” list, and “U” list).

• Wastes may also be hazardous if they display any of four characteristics: – Ignitability– Corrosiveness– Reactivity– Toxicity (TCLP regulatory levels).

Hazard Labels

PPE – Personal Protective Equipment

HAZARDOUS WASTE GENERATOR REGULATORY AGENCIES:

• EPA – Environmental Protection Agency– http://www.epa.gov

• OSHA – Occupational Health and Safety Administration– http://www.osha.gov

• DOT – Department of Transportation– http://www.hazmat.dot.gov

• TNRCC – Texas Commission on Environmental Quality– http://www.tceq.state.tx.us

Questions