What Can’t Go Down the Drain?

When it comes to convenient disposal, you can’t beat the drain.  It’s easily accessible and quick work, but unless you’re disposing of solely non-hazardous, non-harmful waste… drain disposal won’t do you much good.

Once something it is sent down the drain, it flows through underground pipes that send it to a wastewater treatment plant. Once it reaches the plant, the large debris gets filtered out and the residual water is cleaned out again before it flows into larger bodies of water.  Inordinate pollutants prevent the wastewater treatment plant from efficiently and thoroughly treating the water.

A great deal of harm can come from using a drain to dispose of the wrong things.  Metals and other toxic chemicals may not be effectively treated by the wastewater plant. (Read about this very thing happening in our other article Lessons from Lake Michigan: Pharmaceutical Waste Mismanagement)  Some chemicals damage and kill the microorganisms in the process.  Corrosive, volatile or hazardous materials deteriorate piping and possibly imperil the health and safety of both workers and the general public.

Some pollutants can interact with one another, forming more hazardous pollutants. A good example of this is when cyanide base reacts with acids, or when ammonia and bleach react to form toxic gases.

To keep water clean – and to stay compliant – here’s a list of things that should never get washed down the drain:

• Bio-hazardous Waste;

• Controlled Substances;

• Radioactive Waste;

• Hazardous Chemical Waste;

• Sludge, Solids or Viscous Substances;

• Powders;

• Salts;

• Corrosive Waste;

• Hot, Non-Hazardous Liquids;

• Grease;

• Oil;

• Alcohols;

• Formalin;

• Formaldehyde;

• Hydrogen Peroxide;

• Regulated Medical Waste;

• Photo Processing Chemicals;

• X-ray Processing Chemicals;

• Latex Paint;

• Oil Paint.

Remember, proper hazardous waste disposal, waste management services, and adherence to waste disposal regulations are crucial for environmental protection and safe waste disposal methods. Ensure that you handle toxic waste disposal, chemical waste disposal, and industrial waste management responsibly. Stay informed about wastewater treatment regulations and follow the guidelines for safe and efficient waste disposal. For more information on wastewater treatment and the importance of proper disposal, check out the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Wastewater Page.

If you can’t find a particular substance and aren’t sure how to dispose of it – or need further assistance with hazardous waste removal – contact Hazardous Waste Experts at 800-936-2311 to speak with an expert.