Special wastes are those that need special handling, treatment, and disposal because of their hazardous potential or large volumes. Ideally, these wastes should not enter the municipal solid waste stream, but quite frequently they do, particularly in developing countries.
Special wastes can cause significant health and environmental impacts when managed inadequately.
Those who come into direct contact with the wastes, such as waste pickers, are at great health risk. Toxic components of these wastes can enter the environment, poisoning water bodies. Hazardous materials can also degrade MSW equipment. Special wastes are discussed in this book because of the potential negative impact they can have on the MSWM system. These wastes are very different from each other, so they must be handled separately.