Proper disposal of special waste
Some things are easy to know how to dispose of. Trash goes in the trash can, which goes in the dumpster, which goes to the landfill. Recyclables get sorted and go in the recycle bin, but, what about those tricky things that you aren’t sure how to dispose of them? Special waste can be tricky to try to get rid of, but our staff at Quad Cities Landfill is here to help in any way we can. Follow these few tips to properly dispose of your special waste.
Definition of Special Waste
Special waste is solid waste that requires a specific disposal technique and pre-approval in order to ensure the safety and protection of the environment and community. Special wastes are generally a waste generated from an industrial process or a pollution control waste.
Examples of special waste include fly ash, dead animals, industrial solid waste, wastewater treatment plant solids, petroleum contaminated soils/debris, pcb contaminated soil, oil and gas waste, paint, and sludge.
Free flowing liquids are not accepted, so your special waste must pass the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Paint Filter Liquids Test. If your special waste passes the test, it may be submitted for approval at the Quad Cities Landfill facility. Though no by definition a special waste, asbestos containing material also requires pre approval prior to disposal. Asbestos is a trick substance that can be potentially very dangerous to public health. It is important to take the proper precautions when dealing with asbestos. Any material that contains more than one percent of asbestos by weight is considered to be Asbestos Containing Material. Asbestos Containing Material comes dry, but can be friable, that is reduced to powder by hand pressure or mechanical pressure such as sanding, grinding, or grading. Both non-friable and friable Asbestos Containing Material requires a profile and there are specific steps that need to be followed in order to dispose of it properly and safely.
Other items that can be accepted with prior approval are fluorescent light bulbs, but only if they are coming from a residential property. Commercial and/or industrial businesses are not permitted to dispose of their fluorescent light bulbs at landfills. Contact a Quad Cities Landfill representative in Milan, IL for more information.
When wondering whether an item is hazardous and should be disposed of differently than regular waste, ask yourself whether it is dangerous. If it is, it is likely hazardous and should be disposed of in the proper way. It can be tricky due to the ever changing state standards and regulations, so contact your local Quad Cities Landfill office at 1-309-787-2303 for help in how to properly dispose of special waste. While we do not accept hazardous waste, we would be happy to point you in the right direction.
The Quad Cities Landfill is located at 13606 Knoxville Road, Milan, IL 61264 and is open from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. – 12 p.m. Saturday.
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