Managing the Treatment and Disposal of Hazardous Waste
October 13, 2025
The City of Mobile recently hosted a free household hazardous waste collection event for its residents. Household hazardous waste includes items that are not routinely picked up by bulk trash and garbage collection services, as they can be harmful to the environment and to humans if not disposed of properly. Both personal households and businesses have a responsibility to their communities to minimize the impact their waste, particularly hazardous waste, has on the environment.
What is Hazardous Waste?
While common household items like paint, batteries, cleaners, fertilizers and medications often come to mind when discussing hazardous waste, industry is also a major contributor to hazardous waste issues. Many industrial manufacturing processes can produce hazardous waste in a variety of forms, including liquids, solids, gases and sludges. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed a regulatory definition and process that identifies hazardous substances and how they should be managed.
Industries that are prone to hazardous waste production include:
- Construction
- Dry Cleaning
- Educational and Vocational Shops (Automobile repair, Woodworking, Metalworking)
- Equipment Repair
- Furniture Manufacturing and Refinishing
- Laboratories
- Textile Manufacturing
- Transportation (Freight and Railroad)
- Pesticide Application and Cleanup
- Printing and Photo Processing
- Vehicle Maintenance
Companies in these industries must determine if they produce hazardous waste and, if so, must oversee waste processing, treatment and recycling or disposal. Examples of industrial hazardous waste include solvents, paints, pesticides, heavy metals and more.
Disposal and Recycling of Hazardous Waste
Regulations at both the federal and state levels are in place to help businesses recycle or dispose of hazardous waste properly. At the federal level, the EPA manages various standards, exclusions and exemptions for categories of hazardous waste – it is up to the business to understand the waste it produces and the regulations that apply in their industry and geographic location.
Proper disposal of hazardous industrial waste is critical to preserving the environment – especially drinking water – and protecting people from various toxins that can cause severe illness. Air, soil, water and wildlife are affected when hazardous waste disposal goes awry. Businesses can avoid costly fines and tarnished reputations by having a disposal plan in place.
Hazardous waste recycling is managed by its own set of regulations at the federal and state levels. When a material is reused, reclaimed or used in a way that constitutes disposal and burned for energy recovery, it is recycled. These approaches can reduce environmental hazards and protect natural resources.
At home, take-back programs like the one offered by the City of Mobile are ideal for disposing of household hazardous wastes. Residents should contact their municipal or county utilities office to find out more about local policies, regulations and disposal programs.
Experts Can Help with Hazardous Waste Assessment and Remediation
When operating a business that produces hazardous waste, proactive management can go a long way. Recycle and reuse materials when possible, and store hazardous waste properly until it can be recycled or discarded.
Environmental experts such as the team at McFadden Engineering support industrial companies through site assessment and necessary remediation, facility management and operations, water and wastewater treatment (which can be considered a form of hazardous waste recycling), environmental compliance and more.
Hazardous waste does not have to threaten environmental or human health. Instead, when waste is managed well and with expert support, companies can build public trust, reduce costs and lower the risk of environmental impact.