Hazardous Material, Hazardous Waste Differences
By CFAY PWD Environmental Division

Hazardous material (HM), is any material that is capable of posing an unreasonable risk to health, safety and, or the environment if improperly handled, stored, issued or transported.

HM is labeled as such because the item is as follows:

• A health or physical hazard

• Regulated by Japan

• Contains asbestos, mercury or polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)

• Has a flash point below 200 F

• A flammable solid or oxidizer

• Produces dust, gases, fumes, vapors, mists or smokes during normal operations, accidents, leaks or spills

• Has special characteristics that could cause harm to personnel if used or stored improperly.

These items should be used until they are exhausted or can be reused by others.

Hazardous waste (HW) is a discarded hazardous material that may be solid, semi-solid, liquid, or contains gas and exhibits any characteristics of the following:

• Ignitability with a flash point below 140 F

• Shows signs of corrosivity

• Is reactive

• Is toxic

• Contains asbestos and, or a PCB Once you have determined that a discarded item is HW, it must be properly disposed of through PWD Environmental Division at building 1822.

Improper disposal of HW, including but not limited to, asbestos and PCB are strictly prohibited.

Call the Public Works Department (PWD) Environmental Division at 243-6450 or 243-3840/2732 for more information or guidance on HM and HW.