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Reducing Small-Volume Hazardous Materials and Wastes

Introduction

The goal of this initiative is to eliminate the risks associated with products containing hazardous substances commonly used in households and in relatively small quantities by businesses, along with any associated hazardous wastes.

Washington State classifies this type of hazardous waste as moderate-risk waste (MRW).  However, this term can be misleading.  These wastes are not necessarily moderate in their risks to human health and the environment, nor moderate in quantity, when all household and business sources are combined.  Also, the distinction between a hazardous waste and a hazardous product or substance is artificial, since both carry potential risks.  We use the term moderate-risk waste, or MRW, because it is familiar to many.  Throughout this initiative, the term refers to wastes, as well as products or substances before they actually become "wastes."

Reducing risks from MRW involves more than ensuring safe handling and disposal.  It also means increasing MRW recycling and reuse, and most importantly, preventing hazards in the first place by eliminating or reducing the use of hazardous substances in products.  Reducing the toxicity associated with products and services, and managing products at the end of their life, require collaborative solutions involving industry, manufacturers, retailers, governments, and consumers.

We selected this initiative as one of the keys to Beyond Waste for three main reasons:

1. MRW affects everyone.  Small-volume hazardous materials and wastes are everywhere.  People encounter them daily.  Chronic and acute exposure to hazardous chemicals in our homes and businesses can be a significant health risk.  This can prove very costly to businesses and society due to costs of health care, environmental degradation, insurance, and liability.



2. The current MRW management system is not affordable for the future and cannot sustain itself over the long run.  The current system relies on taxes and fees.  Most of these monies pay for special programs to collect, treat, and dispose of MRW to keep it out of municipal solid waste landfills and incinerators, and avert illegal disposal.  Yet these programs capture only a small percentage of all MRW.  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 safer product alternatives, 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 to reduce and eliminate the risks associated with MRW.  Consumer demand is building for less harmful products with safer ingredients, better product labeling, and more reuse and recycling.  Several regional and national initiatives are under way and the Beyond Waste Plan can help them advance.

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