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Understanding The Challenges Of Universal Waste Maimi Dade Florida Officials Face

By Kimberly Fisher


People seem to be more aware than they used to be of the impact all kinds of trash has on the environment. Many individuals recycle everything they can and try to be good citizens of the planet. The Environmental Protection Agency deals with the issues that threaten our ability to inhabit the earth. Things like clean air and water and the materials that impact them are their top priority. In order to appreciate the problem of universal waste Maimi Dade and other metropolitan areas around the country face, you must first understand what it is.

These materials are more commonly found in households and handled by private citizens than the more toxic hazardous wastes generated by dry cleaners, oil refineries, auto mechanic shops, and exterminators. The EPA defines universal waste as falling into four categories that include, batteries, pesticides, mercury lamps, also fluorescent lamps, and mercury containing devices, such as thermometers. These are materials that will not dissolve and cannot be absorbed in the ground.

The four categories mentioned are further divided into small and large handlers, transporters, and destination facilities. Small handlers face only minimum requirements. The larger handlers, such as governments, schools, commercial businesses, and hazardous product manufacturers have to follow more stringent rules. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, RCRA, governs the transportation, handling, and disposal of all these materials.

Different states have added materials to their hazardous list. Colorado and California have aerosol cans listed. New Hampshire and Louisiana list antifreeze as hazardous. Pharmaceuticals is on the list in Florida.

There are long lists of regulations for companies in the business of transporting hazardous wastes. The rules apply whether the carrier is an airline, a railroad, a shipping company, or a trucking company. There are severe penalties for violations. Even though the truck that picks up local recycling may not go over the county line, it comes under the same jurisdiction. For a number of years now, any private citizen wanting to send a package through the mail has been asked questions regarding its contents.

The federal, state, and most local governments encourage everyone to recycle as much personal trash as possible. This is a great way to help manage the problem of potentially harmful material that can threaten public health and the environment. The EPA does want citizens to understand that recycling and reusing hazardous materials does not eliminate the danger.

There are special rules and regulations for landfills. Hazardous materials have to be handled differently than other trash. The land disposal restrictions program has developed regulations for depositing hazardous wastes on or in the ground. Drinking water is one of the main concerns. If these materials penetrate the ground and are picked by flood waters or rainfall, they may end up in the general water supply.

It is important that everyone does his or her part in minimizing the potential dangers associated with hazardous wastes. We only have one earth, and it has to last in order for the human race to survive.




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