What is "corrosivity" in hazardous waste?

Corrosivity in the context of hazardous waste refers to the ability of a waste material to corrode or damage materials such as metals and living tissue. This is typically associated with substances that have strong acidic or alkaline properties. Waste that is classified as corrosive can lead to significant harm not only to equipment and containers used for storage and transport but also pose serious risks to human health and the environment.

For instance, substances with a pH less than 2 or greater than 12.5 are usually classified as corrosive. These characteristics can lead to the breakdown of materials, creating leaks or structural failures in containers that hold these wastes. The recognition of corrosivity is vital for proper hazardous waste management, as it dictates specific handling, treatment, and disposal procedures to ensure safety.

In contrast, waste that has no corrosive effects does not pose the same risks, and waste that melts quickly or is simply destined for landfills does not relate to the fundamental definition of corrosivity. Understanding the specific attributes of corrosive waste is essential for environmental protection and compliance with regulatory standards.