Hazardous Waste Pickup Explained: What Businesses Need to Know
Proper handling of hazardous waste is a legal, environmental, and operational responsibility for many businesses. From manufacturing plants and laboratories to healthcare facilities and automotive shops, hazardous materials are often an unavoidable byproduct of daily operations. Understanding how hazardous waste pickup works and what is required for safe disposal is essential to maintaining compliance, protecting employees, and minimizing environmental harm. What Is Hazardous Waste? Hazardous waste refers to discarded materials that pose a risk to human health or the environment due to their chemical, physical, or biological properties. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies waste as hazardous if it is ignitable, corrosive, reactive, or toxic. Common examples include solvents, paints, acids, pesticides, batteries, contaminated oils, and certain medical or laboratory wastes. Businesses that generate hazardous waste are legally obligated to mana...