Who Disposes of Hazardous Waste?

Limit the hazards of hazardous waste with proper disposal

Old cans of paint sitting on a table
Photo: Ernest / Adobe Stock
Old cans of paint sitting on a table
Photo: Ernest / Adobe Stock
Em Norton
Written by Em Norton
Contributing Writer
Updated May 30, 2024
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Treatment Storage and Disposal Facilities (TSDFs) are responsible for disposing of hazardous waste. TSDFs are facilities that receive and handle the treatment and disposal of hazardous waste to ensure they are safely disposed of to reduce their environmental impact. To work at a TSDF, you must undergo training for the job to ensure all disposal is done properly. 

Benefits of Hiring TSDF Workers to Dispose of Hazardous Waste

Hiring TSDF workers is essential when it comes to disposing of hazardous waste. So, if you’re looking to dispose of things such as old paint, gasoline, or aerosol cans that aren’t completely empty, here are a few benefits of hiring TSDF workers:

  • TSDF workers know what is considered hazardous waste and can inform you of what materials you should be disposing of and how.

  • It mitigates the environmental impact of hazardous waste.

  • It reduces the risk of harming your own health and safety.

Can I DIY Hazardous Waste Disposal?

Disposing of hazardous waste is a serious matter—knowing who disposes of hazardous waste is so important. So, in short—no, you can’t DIY hazardous waste disposal. It requires proper health and safety training to ensure you’re not putting yourself, others, or the environment at risk.

While the actual disposing of hazardous waste must be done by a professional, you do have the option to either arrange a pick up by a TSDF or drop it off yourself. Depending on where you live, dropping it off yourself may reduce the hazardous waste disposal cost.

Angi Tip
It’s not advised to place hazardous waste materials in your dumpster without first consulting your dumpster rental company. If these items make their way to the landfill, they (in most circumstances) will be returned to you, and you will face a fine of up to $500.
Heather Ayer
Staff Writer, Angi

Can I Hire Garbage Removers to Dispose of Hazardous Waste?

Garbage remover loading garbage truck
Photo: kadmy / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

While it may seem like a simpler option, garbage removers don’t dispose of hazardous waste, so you can’t hire them to do so. Garbage removal services can dispose of large garbage items, but this does not include hazardous waste as the disposal process is different. Hiring garbage removers to dispose of hazardous waste is a big risk, as disposing of it improperly can lead to major safety issues such as fires or explosions. 

If you’re looking into hiring garbage removers, contact garbage removal services near you and ensure the garbage you’re planning to dispose of fits their criteria. If they deem any of it hazardous waste, you should contact a TSDF to arrange for proper disposal.

How Do TSDFs Dispose of Hazardous Waste? 

Once you have either dropped off your hazardous waste at a TSDF or had it picked up, TSDF workers will dispose of the waste by either recycling it or treating and disposing of it in landfills or incinerators.

Chemical experts will recommend what type of waste removal solution is needed based on the type of waste. From there, they will use the solutions to neutralize pollutants to protect groundwater and surface water before putting the waste in secure landfills.

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Learn more about our contributor
Em Norton
Written by Em Norton
Contributing Writer
Em loves combining their budget-savvy instincts with a passion for home improvement. With plenty of experience writing in the financial industry, Em acknowledges that it’s crucial to budget for home projects and to have the full scope of these projects from a financial point of view. Their home saving tips can be found on personal finance sites like Borrowell and Money Under 30.
Em loves combining their budget-savvy instincts with a passion for home improvement. With plenty of experience writing in the financial industry, Em acknowledges that it’s crucial to budget for home projects and to have the full scope of these projects from a financial point of view. Their home saving tips can be found on personal finance sites like Borrowell and Money Under 30.
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