Glossary Term: Waste Containment

Waste containment is the practice of safely storing, transporting, and disposing of hazardous waste materials. Proper waste containment is essential for protecting human health and the environment from the dangers of hazardous waste materials. The main goal of waste containment is to prevent the release of hazardous waste into the environment.

Waste containment can be accomplished through a variety of methods, depending on the type of hazardous waste material. For example, liquid hazardous waste can be stored in large tanks or drums with tight-fitting lids to prevent leakage. Solid hazardous waste can be stored in specially designed containers to prevent the material from becoming airborne.

In addition to storing hazardous waste, waste containment also involves the transportation and disposal of hazardous waste materials. All transportation and disposal activities must be conducted in accordance with local, state, and federal environmental regulations. During transportation, hazardous waste must be contained in drums or other approved containers to prevent spills and contamination of the environment.

Disposal of hazardous waste must also be done in an environmentally responsible way. This may include incineration, chemical treatment, landfilling, or other approved methods. In some cases, hazardous waste may even be recycled and reused.

By properly containing, transporting, and disposing of hazardous waste, waste containment can help protect the environment and human health from hazardous materials. It is important to follow all local, state, and federal regulations to ensure that hazardous waste is handled safely and responsibly.