One of the most common misconceptions is that hazardous chemical waste can be “red-bagged.” Red-bag waste is by definition biohazardous, infectious waste. Treatments such as autoclaving, microwaving, or even lower temperature incineration renders the infectious waste harmless but often has no impact on the hazardous chemical waste identified by EPA. Hazardous chemical waste must be properly stored, manifested, transported, and incinerated following specific regulations and using federally permitted transporters and incineration firms.

“Cradle to grave” tracking insures that spills or releases anywhere en route are handled in an environmentally responsible manner. RCRA-permitted incineration facilities, known as TSDFs (Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities) burn these chemicals at temperatures high enough to break down the chemicals into their individual components, such as carbon dioxide and water. All potentially toxic elements and compounds, such as heavy metals and carbon dioxide, released during combustion are removed from the stack so that only water vapor is released into the environment.