What should be done with empty hazardous material containers?

Empty hazardous material containers require careful handling even after they are empty, as they can still pose risks and may have residual hazardous substances. The accepted practice is to treat these containers as hazardous waste, which means they must be properly labeled to indicate their previous contents and ensure safety precautions are taken during their disposal. This prevents contamination and exposure to hazardous materials that could harm human health or the environment.

Proper disposal as hazardous waste typically involves following specific regulations set by federal, state, or local authorities. This ensures that the containers are handled, transported, and disposed of in safe and controlled conditions. It is crucial to ensure that they do not end up in regular waste streams, which could lead to unintended exposure or environmental contamination.

On the other hand, while cleaning and reusing containers might seem practical, it can often be unsafe depending on the type of hazardous material that was originally in the container. Recycling with other plastics can also be problematic, as residues might remain, making it unsuitable for general recycling streams. Therefore, the safest and most compliant approach is to treat these empty containers as hazardous waste, ensuring proper handling and compliance with environmental regulations.