WHAT HAPPENS TO WASTE

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What Happens to Hazardous Waste?

Corrosive liquids

Corrosive liquids such as drain cleaners and pool chemicals are neutralized at a treatment facility.

Lead acid batteries

Lead in lead acid batteries is reclaimed at smelters in the United States.

Mercury

Mercury is reclaimed at retort facilities and reused in commercial applications.

Oil-based paints, solvents and thinners

Solvents are blended into fuel mixtures used at facilities such as cement kilns.

Pesticides and poisons

Pesticides are kept in their original containers. If the container is rusted or leaking, the product is sealed in a bag. Containers (or bags) are layered within absorbent granules inside steel drums. These wastes are incinerated or placed in hazardous waste landfills.

Used motor oil

Motor oil is re-refined into lubricating products or reused as fuel for ships and cement kilns.