Special Waste | PCBs | Millennium Waste
Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB) is a human engineered chlorinated hydrocarbon. Until the ban of PCBs in 1979, this organic chemical was used in the manufacture and production of many common industrial and commercial products including paints, dyes, and electrical products for nearly 50 years.
The unique physical makeup of PCBs made them chemically stable, non-flammable, and provided great electrical insulating properties which made PCBs a common choice for the manufacture of electrical transformers, capacitors, voltage regulators, fluorescent light ballasts, and cable insulation. After the discovery of the potential for harm and the toxic nature of PCBs, the use and manufacture of products using these materials was banned in 1979, however many of the products produced up to that point still exist and may even be in use to this day.
The manufacturing, production, and improper disposal of PCBs have been shown to release many harmful toxins into the environment. PCBs can enter the environment through illegal dumping or disposal at waste sites not equipped to handle hazardous waste, ground leaching from products that contain PCBs, and through the burning or incineration of products containing PCBs. Once these toxins enter the environment they can remain present for long periods of time and can be easily spread through soil, water, and air rapidly increasing the area affected by contamination. As PCBs spread through the environment, the toxins that they release can begin to accumulate within plants, crops, and water sources creating the potential for contaminated food sources for both humans and animals.
Exposure to PCBs has been linked to many severe health effects in both humans and animals. PCB exposure has been associated with health problems such as cancer and other adverse health effects on the body including effects on the immune system, reproductive system, nervous system, and endocrine system. While there is little that can be done to reduce or eliminate PCBs that are currently contaminating the environment, conscious and ethical disposal of materials containing PCBs is the most effective way to reduce the spread of these potential toxins.
Millennium Waste and the Quad Cities Landfill are committed to the clean and safe disposal of special wastes such as PCBs. Prior to disposal, special wastes are profiled to determine that they are non-hazardous and acceptable for disposal. Any wastes determined to be hazardous are referred for disposal at a hazardous waste facility. The Quad Cities Landfill is equipped with environmental monitoring systems and gas and leachate management systems that comply with all state federal regulations. If you have questions about the disposal of special wastes or believe that the materials you would like to dispose may contain PCBs, contact the specially trained personnel at Millennium Waste at (309) 787-2303 for information on how to safely and properly dispose of your waste.
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