Careers .st0{fill:#067EAE;} .st1{fill:#81D0E0;} Summit Request a Quote HAZARDOUS WASTE FOUNDATIONS Kaboom: All About Reactivity September 8, 2021 By Jim Kapin As we’ve discussed in previous posts, including “Understanding the Four Characteristics of Hazardous Waste,” determining whether a waste exhibits a hazardous waste characteristic is an important part of the hazardous waste process. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), which is implemented and enforced by the EPA, establishes hazardous waste requirements across the U.S. Under RCRA, there are four hazardous waste characteristics: ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity and toxicity. Additionally, certain states, including California and Washington, have their own state-specific requirements that expand on the RCRA hazardous waste characteristic definitions. Such state-specific requirements only apply within that state. Reactive wastes (as defined in 40 CFR 261.23) are unstable under “normal” conditions. They can cause explosions; undergo violent reactions; and generate toxic fumes, gases, vapors or explosive mixtures when heated, compressed or mixed with water. Wastes that are determined to be reactive are assigned the EPA hazardous waste code D003. Reactive wastes include wastes that: Are normally unstable and readily undergo violent change without detonating. React violently with water or form potentially explosive mixtures with water. Are capable of detonation, explosive reaction or explosive decomposition, or are classified as a “forbidden explosive” (49 CFR 173.54) of Division 1.1, 1.2 or 1.3 explosive (49 CFR 173.50, 173.53). Are cyanide- or sulfide-containing wastes, and other wastes that can release toxic gases, vapors or fumes. Examples of reactive wastes include damaged lithium batteries that cannot be managed as universal waste, waste sodium or lithium metal, and plating bath wastes containing cyanides. Unlike for other hazardous waste characteristics, there are no specific test methods identified for reactive wastes. Instead, generators must rely on their “generator knowledge,” as well as related OSHA and DOT tests. There are several options to evaluate potential air and water reactivity and chemical stability: Certain functional groups (nitro groups, azides, peroxides, etc.) are recognized to be reactive or potentially explosive. Waste derived from materials that are identified as “explosive,” self-reactive,” “pyrophoric” or “self-heating” chemicals, as well as chemicals that “emit flammable gases when in contact with water” based on OSHA GHS definitions (29 CFR 1910.1200, Appendix B), may need to be managed as reactive wastes. These materials are typically identified with the “bomb” pictogram on a product safety data sheet (SDS). Waste derived from materials that are classified as Class 1 (explosive), 4.1 (flammable solid), 4.2 (spontaneously combustible) or 4.3 (dangerous when wet) also may need to be managed as reactive wastes. There are limited options to evaluate whether a waste that contains sulfides or cyanides is capable of releasing harmful vapors, and in many cases, cyanide and sulfide-containing wastes are classified as reactive wastes because of this lack of information. It is important to be conservative when evaluating and classifying reactive and potentially reactive wastes. Reactive wastes can require special handling and precautions for transport, and disposal costs can be significant. Wherever possible, generators should avoid creating reactive wastes and should modify processes to minimize reactive characteristics. Of course, in some cases, creating reactive wastes is unavoidable. In such cases, generators should work with their hazardous waste vendor to determine the best options for waste management and disposal. Have any questions about reactive waste or any other hazardous wastes? Please e-mail us at [email protected] We’re happy to help! James Kapin is Principal Advisor for safety, health and environmental compliance for ACTenviro. Jim is a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) and a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) with over 25 years of workplace safety and environmental protection experience. Do you have any hazardous waste questions for Jim? Or any other workplace safety or environmental compliance questions? Let us know at [email protected] Table of Contents Search Articles Featured Articles Celebrating Ron Martinez’s 10-Year Anniversary with ACTenviro ACTenviro Corporate November 19, 2021 Join Us For Our November Job Fairs! ACTenviro Corporate November 8, 2021 Toxic Culture: All About Toxicity Jim Kapin September 15, 2021 Article Categories Covid Environment Resources Event Hazardous Waste Hazardous Waste Foundations Household Hazardous Waste Medical Waste News Press Release Sign Up For Our Newsletter Subscribe Subscribe now and be updated with our latest news, announcement and training seminars. Nationally Recognized for our Hazardous Waste Management Services. OUR SERVICES Bulk Solids Disposal Coronavirus Services Emergency Response Environmental Engineering Environmental Management Household Hazardous Waste High Hazard Services Microwave Disinfection System Operations & Maintenance Parts Washer Service Recycling Remediation & Construction Technical Services Transportation & Disposal TSDF Vacuum Truck Services Workplace Safety and OSHA Compliance RECENT POSTS Celebrating Ron Martinez’s 10-Year Anniversary with ACTenviro November 19, 2021 Join Us For Our November Job Fairs! November 8, 2021 Toxic Culture: All About Toxicity September 15, 2021 Announcing a New Look for InterACT: Branding ACTenviro Customer Portal September 9, 2021 Kaboom: All About Reactivity September 8, 2021 Peeling Back the Layers on Corrosivity August 23, 2021 OFFICE LOCATIONS Dixon, California Los Angeles, California San Jose, California San Francisco, California San Diego, California Sacramento, California Inland Empire, California Portland, Oregon Phoenix, Arizona Albuquerque, New Mexico Central Valley, California El Paso, Texas Denver, Colorado Seattle, Washington QUICK LINKS Home About Us Careers Contact Us Sustainability Request A Quote Resources Privacy Policy Employee Glossary ACTenviro Hazardous Waste Disposal Company Corporate Offices and Working Facility 967 Mabury Road San Jose, CA 95133 Phone. (408) 548-5050 Fax. (408) 548-5052 27/7 ER. (866) 348-2800 Copyright © 2021 ACTenviro. All Rights Reserved.