Why “Non-Hazardous” Does Not Mean Simple

A wastewater stream can be classified as non-hazardous and still be difficult, expensive, or highly specialized to manage. Understanding that distinction can help industrial facilities avoid surprises when a waste stream is profiled, transported, and treated. At many facilities, the phrase “non-hazardous” sounds reassuring. If a waste stream is not classified as hazardous, it can be easy to assume that it should also be simple to handle, easy to dispose of, and accepted by almost any wastewater treatment facility.

A wastewater stream can be classified as non-hazardous and still be difficult, expensive, or highly specialized to manage. Understanding that distinction can help industrial facilities avoid surprises when a waste stream is profiled, transported, and treated.

At many facilities, the phrase “non-hazardous” sounds reassuring. If a waste stream is not classified as hazardous, it can be easy to assume that it should also be simple to handle, easy to dispose of, and accepted by almost any wastewater treatment facility.