Hazardous Waste Transportation

Source: Missouri Household Hazardous Waste Telephone Advice Manual, April 1994, Household Hazardous Waste Project

When transporting household hazardous wastes to a collection, it is important to remember that these are hazardous wastes. A business or industry transporting the same wastes would be required to adhere to a number of safety and handling regulations. These regulations have been established to prevent injury, spills, and other accidents resulting from mishandling hazardous wastes.

There are no regulations governing how householders transport household hazardous wastes, but you can take precautions to prevent accidents from occurring on your way to the collection site.
Materials Needed

Gloves

Safety Precautions

Procedures

  1. Keep products in their original containers. Do not mix products.

  2. Label materials that are not in their original containers. Every effort should be made to identify unknowns. If unaware of specific product name, provide product category, such as pesticide or cleaning product, if possible.

  3. Check all containers. Make sure lids are tightly sealed.

  4. If a container is leaking, this container should be placed within a larger, plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. A nonflammable absorbent, such as clay-based cat box filler, should be packed around the product to absorb any possible leaks. Label the outside container with the contents and date.

  5. Place products upright in cardboard box and secure so that they do not tip over in transport.

  6. Transport products in the back of a pickup truck or in a car trunk. If you must transport the materials in the passenger compartment, make sure there is adequate ventilation. Do not smoke while transporting hazardous materials.

  7. Keep flammables out of direct sunlight and away from sources of heat, spark, flame, or ignition.


Return to Disposal Guide Menu Disposal Guide Menu © Copyright