As much as we’d like to live in a world where there is no such thing as harmful waste, the reality is that for many industries hazardous waste is a byproduct of their work. The challenge then becomes how to transport and dispose of the waste properly.

In these scenarios, keeping safety in mind and strictly adhering to government regulations is crucial. Organizations can use security seals to make sure they are following guidelines and keeping everyone involved safe.

What’s considered hazardous waste?

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), anything that contains “properties that make it dangerous or potentially harmful to human health or the environment” is considered hazardous waste.

The EPA categorizes hazardous waste based on four characteristics:

• Ignitability -- will it catch on fire or cause an explosion?
• Corrosivity -- will it damage pipes or containers?
• Reactivity -- will it have a dangerous reaction with other materials it comes in contact with?
• Toxicity -- is it dangerous if consumed through contaminated water or food?

If the answer to any of these questions is “yes,” it’s considered a hazardous waste in that category.

How can hazardous waste be safely disposed of?

Guidelines for the treatment of hazardous waste are set forth by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), and specific rules and regulations are governed by individual states and local authorities as well as the EPA. These regulations include the types of containers hazardous waste can be stored in, safe transportation methods, how to handle them safely, and the proper way to dispose of them.

A major component of safe handling and disposal of these materials is that its container must be properly locked to maintain safety. That’s where the use of security seals and tamper-evident tape comes in.

Security seals for hazardous waste

Security seals ensure that everything in the transportation process is kept to regulation. Different types of high security seals, for example, offer different levels of protection. With these, nothing and no one will get in or out during transportation. As a result, all guidelines are met and safety is assured.

Additionally, hazardous waste labels are an essential element of the process, as proper labeling is as important as proper storage and transportation. We carry different types of security labels, many of which are barcoded and numbered, and can be written on. We can also provide custom printing for labels, as well as custom colors, and can work with clients to help select the right types and amounts, based on requirements.

When dealing with such dangerous—and highly regulated—materials, you need to be sure everything is handled right. Security seals and tamper evident labels will help provide this assurance. Contact AC&M to learn more, get a quote, or receive samples.