Industrial waste is the waste produced by industrial activity which includes any material that is rendered useless during a manufacturing process such as that of factories, mills, and mining operations. Types of industrial waste include dirt and gravel, masonry and concrete, scrap metal, oil, solvents, chemicals, scrap lumber, even vegetable matter from restaurants. Industrial waste may be solid, semi-solid or liquid in form. It may be hazardous waste (some types of which are toxic) or non-hazardous waste. Industrial waste may pollute the nearby soil or adjacent water bodies, and can contaminate groundwater, lakes, streams, rivers or coastal waters. Industrial waste is often mixed into municipal waste, making accurate assessments difficult. Most countries have enacted legislation to deal with the problem of industrial waste, but strictness and compliance regimes vary. Enforcement is always an issue.
Industrial waste is defined as waste generated by manufacturing or industrial processes. There are many sectors of industrial manufacturing that produce waste, including:
- Various types of factories
- Mining
- Textile mills
- Food manufacturing
- Consumer goods
- Industrial chemicals
- Printing and publishing
Below we’ll explore different types of industrial waste, as well as what you should know about properly disposing of it to ensure you meet all federal and state regulations.
Types of Industrial Waste
Industrial waste can be hazardous or non-hazardous. Both, however, can cause substantial damage to the environment if not properly managed. Below are some common types of industrial waste that can be hazardous to human life and the environment.
Solid Waste
Though the term “industrial waste” includes several different types, one of the most common is industrial solid waste. Solid waste can be generated by manufacturing processes such as:
- Electric power generation
- The use of agricultural chemicals and inorganic chemicals
- Iron and steel manufacturing
- Water treatment
- Plastics and resins manufacturing
- Many of the other manufacturing processes outlined above
Toxic Waste
Industrial waste can also be toxic or hazardous waste. If not managed properly, this type of industrial waste can cause harm to humans, animals and the environment by contaminating waterways, such as rivers and lakes.
This type of industrial waste is generally a byproduct of other materials generated at factories, hospitals and manufacturing facilities. It’s important to note that waste laws can vary from state to state. For example, in many states, asbestos is not considered a hazardous waste.
Chemical Waste
Chemical waste mostly contains harmful chemicals. This does not mean, however, that it is classified as hazardous. For it to be considered hazardous, it must have an ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity or toxicity characteristic.
Secondary Waste
Emphasis on reusing secondary materials that are considered to be non-hazardous, such as scraps and residuals that result from the production process. Examples of secondary types of waste include:
- Coal combustion
- Spent foundry sand
- Construction materials when infrastructure is demolished
How To Dispose Of Industrial Waste
Improperly handling industrial waste can have harmful consequences to both your company and the community. If not properly disposed of, harmful waste can be released into the air, soil and water. This carelessness can also pose a threat to your company’s reputation and bottom line, and expose you to costly fines and publicity that your company may struggle to recover from for years to come.
Hazardous waste disposal companies offer a safer and more convenient option, and they can help with the process of disposing of industrial waste. If you generator hazardous waste, you are legally and financially responsible for it from the time it is created to the time it is disposed of, whether it is on your property or not. This is why many industrial waste generators work with a reputable disposal company to help them manage this process and alleviate any issues that may arise from the transportation and disposal of their waste – especially once it leaves your facility.
Final Note
Industrial waste is defined as unwanted or residual materials that result from industrial operations. There are several types of industrial waste, and while some is considered non-hazardous, some types are classified as hazardous. No matter, all types of industrial waste have the potential to be harmful if improperly managed.
That’s why if you generate industrial waste, it is imperative that you understand your responsibility when it comes to management and disposal. A certified waste disposal company can assist you with declassifying your industrial waste through proper sampling so you can ensure you follow proper procedures for handling the waste.