What Does
Uncontrolled Waste Mean?
Uncontrolled waste is a group of waste products that fall outside of the controlled, special, or hazardous waste categories. Hazardous wastes can be in the form of solids, liquids, sludges, or contained gases and they are are typically by-products of chemical production, manufacturing, construction, and other industrial activities.
Uncontrolled waste may cause damage as the result of inadequate storage, transportation, treatment, or disposal operations. Improper uncontrolled waste storage or disposal may also contaminate the surface and groundwater supplies.
Safeopedia Explains Uncontrolled Waste
The EPA and OSHA worker protection standards for hazardous waste operation and emergency control regulate the protection standards for workers who engage in hazardous waste operations in uncontrolled sites. Working at an uncontrolled hazardous waste site poses a significant safety risk as there is potential for employees to be exposed to substances that may cause serious health issues.
Uncontrolled recycling activities are known to generate and release heavy metals and POPs into the environment, which can then be re-distributed, bioaccumulated, and biomagnified, with potentially adverse human health effects.
Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP) is required to include an updated list of national priorities among the known releases or threatened releases of uncontrolled waste substances, pollutants, or contaminants throughout the United States.
Uncontrolled hazardous waste sites, including corrective actions at treatment, storage, and disposal facilities,1 are regulated under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).