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Introduction

The goal of this initiative is to accelerate progress toward eliminating the risks associated with products containing hazardous substances. Specifically, this initiative encompasses products and substances commonly used in households and in relatively small quantities by businesses. The term moderate-risk waste (MRW) is used in Washington to classify hazardous wastes from households and small quantities from businesses, although this can be misleading because these wastes are not necessarily moderate in their risks to human health and the environment. Also, the distinction between a hazardous waste and a hazardous product is artificial, since both carry potential risks. The term moderate-risk waste, or MRW, is familiar to many; it is, therefore, used throughout this initiative to refer to wastes, as well as products or substances before they actually become “wastes.”

Reducing risks from these wastes and products involves more than ensuring safe handling and disposal. It also means increasing MRW recycling and reducing the use of hazardous substances in products. Reducing the toxicity and waste associated with products and services, and managing products at the end of their life, are solutions that need contributions from industry, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers.

 

This initiative was selected as one of the keys to Beyond Waste for three main reasons:

1. MRW affects everyone. Small-volume hazardous materials and wastes are everywhere and people come into contact with them daily. Chronic and occasional exposure to chemicals in our homes and businesses can be a significant health risk as well as very costly to businesses and society due to increased costs associated with health care, environmental degradation, insurance, and liability. In addition, acute exposures to chemicals in homes and businesses have increased as the sale and use of these products have increased.
2. The current management system is not affordable for the future. The current management system for wastes from households and businesses generating small quantities relies on taxes and fees. This system cannot sustain itself over the long run. Most of these monies pay for special collection, treatment, and disposal programs to keep MRW out of municipal solid waste landfills and incinerators, and away from illegal disposal, yet only a small percentage of all MRW that is generated is actually captured. It is difficult to foresee how the public sector can afford to provide the level of service for a truly effective system. The future needs to include product stewardship, waste reduction, recycling, and convenient collection/drop-off opportunities that do not rely primarily on public systems and finances.
3. Great strides are possible. Many opportunities exist today to work toward reducing and eliminating the risks associated with these products and materials. Momentum is building for less harmful alternatives to be offered and used, and for more of these products and materials to be reused and recycled. Several regional and national initiatives are already under way and can be advanced through the Beyond Waste Project.

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