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When it comes to eliminating hazardous waste, you probably know that it requires special waste disposal methods. However, you might not know what happens to the waste once you drop it off at the hazardous waste management facility. Because hazardous waste poses such a significant threat to the environment and to people, it needs to go through specific processing to eliminate the risk. Here are five methods that are used to dispose of hazardous waste materials.

1. Recycling

Hazardous waste doesn't always need to be destroyed. Sometimes it can be recycled into other products. Some products that can be recycled and reused include lead-based batteries and electronic circuit boards. Some heavy metals can be turned into ash and combined with other materials to make new products. When implementing a waste management program for your company, determine the types of hazardous waste that can be recycled. That way, you can do your part for the environment through an extended recycling program.

2. Incineration

Incineration is another method used for the processing of hazardous waste materials. Some hazardous materials can be incinerated and turned into alternative energy sources. The process of incineration reduces the amount of hazardous material waste while also generating additional energy. Enhanced incineration practices reduce the amount of harmful gases that are emitted into the air, making this process safer for the environment.

3. Pyrolysis

In instances where heat destruction is recommended but incineration is not a safe method, pyrolysis may be used in the processing of hazardous materials. Pyrolysis uses high-intensity electrical arcs to destroy hazardous materials. This process is most useful where materials such as pesticides, PCBs, and organic compounds are concerned. One of the benefits of pyrolysis is that combustion isn't used during the process.

4. Isolation

Some forms of hazardous waste materials are some harmful for the environment that they must undergo a process of isolation or sequestration. Isolation keeps these materials away from the environment so that they don't cause any harm. During isolation, all hazardous materials must be closely monitored to avoid a toxic release of chemicals into the air or ground water.

5. Portland Cement

Finally, when hazardous sludge is involved, Portland cement may be manufactured out of the hazardous waste material. Through the process of manufacturing Portland cement, the toxicity of the hazardous materials is reduced, using various additives. Once the cement has been processed properly, it's safe for industrial purposes.