Technical Reviewers(s): Steven E. Frazier (Department of Environmental Quality, Richmond, Virginia), and Suzan Craik (Virginia Cooperative Extension-Gloucester County).
Publication Number 442-904, June 1996
*Overview of the Virginia Farm Assessment System
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The Federal Hazardous Substances Act requires that hazardous products be labeled with signal words to identify the hazard: DANGER means the product is corrosive, extremely flammable, or highly toxic; WARNING means the product is moderately toxic or hazardous; and CAUTION means the product is slightly hazardous or toxic. In addition, hazardous products are identified by label warnings such as irritant, use with adequate ventilation, combustible, caustic, volatile, avoid inhaling, and poison.
Improper use of hazardous products may cause toxic health effects. Improper storage may allow chemicals to leak, causing potentially dangerous chemical reactions, toxic health effects or groundwater contamination. Improper disposal of these products and wastes may result in contamination of surface water and groundwater. Minimizing the amounts of these substances used on the farmstead, along with practicing proper use and disposal practices, can reduce both health risks and the potential for groundwater and drinking water contamination.
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Household wastes are not regulated as hazardous waste under state and federal laws, although local regulations may apply. Most household hazardous wastes may be safely disposed of at household hazardous waste collection locations during events sponsored by the community or at permanent collection sites, usually associated with a licensed landfill. Participation is commonly restricted to local residents and some landfills will accept only certain household hazardous wastes. Un-fortunately, for many Virginia residents there is not a locally-provided, environmentally safe alternative for disposal of household hazardous wastes. In general, farmstead hazardous waste must be disposed of through a permitted hazardous waste disposal contractor or a recycling service when available. These private companies may also accept household hazardous wastes.
Agribusiness-derived hazardous wastes are subject to regulation as hazardous wastes. Most small retail agribusinesses are expected to fall in the category of conditionally exempt small quantity generators (generate less than 220 pounds/month of hazardous wastes), where requirements for management of hazardous wastes are minimal. Because these wastes are not excluded from regulation, there are certain requirements for their proper management. In some cases, it may be appropriate and permissible to dispose of wastes in a permitted solid waste landfill if written permission is obtained.
However, in most cases, the appropriate management option is to contact a permitted hazardous waste disposal contractor. Also, farms and retail agribusinesses are encouraged to seek recycling options or give the materials to others who can legitimately use them.
Household and farm hazardous wastes may include:
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Open burning of dry combustibles in small amounts is appropriate if it is permitted by local ordinance. Dry combustibles include clean, untreated, unpainted wood, paper and cardboard. Dry combustibles should be burned outdoors or in a well-ventilated area to minimize adverse health effects from smoke. Chemical containers should never be burned, but empty containers should be either recycled or taken to a licensed landfill or a municipal incinerator. Waste oil, if uncontaminated with solvents, should be burned in a furnace designed for burning oil as a fuel. Any resulting ash or sludge should be contained and disposed of in a licensed landfill. Waste contaminated with solvents is considered a hazardous waste and must be properly managed.
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This category of potentially hazardous substances may include:
Because large volumes of these products are used on the farm, even relatively small spills and drips can add up and cause groundwater contamination. As much as possible, building and wood maintenance chemicals should not be used closer than 150 feet to the water well or spring. If maintenance activities must be conducted nearer to the well or spring, all drips and spills should be contained on a concrete pad to avoid direct contact with the ground.
Small amounts of unused leftover household products, such as paints or adhesives, can be evaporated where conditions permit. Some products, such as paint thinners, can be filtered and reused. Other products, such as wood preservatives and lead-based paints, should be labeled and saved for disposal by a hazardous waste contractor. Be aware that wood preservatives are considered to be pesticides, and some common wood preservatives, such as pentachlorophenol, are categorized as restricted-use pesticides. Refer to Fact Sheet No. 7 for further information about pesticide safety.
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This category of hazardous substances may include:
Fortunately, good recycling opportunities exist for both solvents and waste oil. Solid and hazardous waste regulations prohibit land spreading of waste oil for dust or weed suppression. Waste oil can be burned in a waste oil burner if the oil has not been contaminated with solvents or other materials. The on-farm location of the waste oil furnace should be decided according to building code requirements.
In many localities, limited amounts of antifreeze may be safely diluted and discharged into a municipal sanitary sewer system, but not into the municipal storm water system. Check with the local wastewater authority for proper discharge into the municipal sewer system. Antifreeze should not be dumped into domestic septic tanks. Antifreeze may kill the organisms that break down the wastes in the tank and ultimately result in the failure of the septic system.
A paint booth should be used when painting vehicles or other equipment. Some booths are structured to collect excess paint and spray gun cleaners for later disposal with a solvent recycler.
Note that filters used with a paint booth are considered hazardous waste when discarded.
The design and location of the equipment maintenance area is important. This area should be at least 100 feet from drinking water wells or springs. Some individuals use a grease pit. Others allow drips and spills to collect on the floor. In both cases, the area is generally "cleaned" through periodic flushing.
If flushing is used for floor cleaning, a system is needed to contain waste liquids so that they will not be flushed onto soil. Using sawdust to soak up drips and spills is another common practice. Afterwards, soaked chemicals should be evaporated in a protected outdoor area with good ventilation and then the sawdust should be taken to a licensed landfill. Burning any of the sawdust can produce material with the potential for groundwater and air contamination.
Evaporation of liquid wastes prior to flushing may eliminate or minimize contamination of runoff water, but it is not recommended due to air quality concerns and the potential for liquids to seep through cracks in floors.
Old gasoline or diesel fuel and gasoline or diesel fuel mixed with other materials (water, oil, spill residues, etc.) should be disposed of properly. Evaporating or pouring it on the ground is a risky and environmentally undesirable practice. Gasoline and mixed gasoline should never be mixed with used oil for use in heaters because of explosion dangers. Solidification with sawdust or kitty litter is recommended. Also, you should consider alternate use or collection through a contractor.
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Sometimes leftover and used chemicals, such as waste oil and solvents, need to be stored on the farm until disposal. The storage area for used chemicals and wastes should be located at least100 feet from the water well or spring. Storage areas should be diked to prevent runoff and potential groundwater contamination from spills.
Chemicals should be stored in clearly labeled containers designed for particular hazard categories (flammables, poisons or corrosives), in a well-ventilated, flame-free area with sturdy shelving in the building where they are commonly used. The area should be adequately vented to prevent buildup of fumes. Also, the storage area should provide a means to segregate flammables, poisons and corrosive wastes to minimize accidental release due to chemical interactions. DO NOT STORE HOUSEHOLD AND FARM BUSINESS CHEMICALS, WASTES, AND EMPTY BAGS AND CONTAINERS IN A WELL/PUMP HOUSE.
Hazardous wastes generated from equipment maintenance operations, such as solvents and parts washing solution, must be collected and placed in closed containers and labeled with the words "hazardous waste," the type of waste, and the date the waste was put into the container. Solvents that are particularly flammable (such as mineral spirits) may be mixed with used oil, as long as the solvent content is less than 10 percent of the total volume of the solvent-oil mixture.
Hazardous wastes generated from auto maintenance should be stored safely until they can be taken to a household hazardous waste collection site. For example, batteries may be stored in a plastic-lined area. However, some solvents, if spilled could dissolve a plastic liner. Spilled solvents may also penetrate concrete or asphalt if they are not cleaned up quickly. Some solvents can move through clay soils more rapidly than water so movement to groundwater may be accelerated.
Flammable chemicals and batteries should be stored in an area that will be shaded from direct sunlight. Rags used to clean up solvent spills may also be a fire hazard. They should be stored withthe same care as hazardous materials. Empty containers should be taken to a recycling facility, a licensed landfill or a municipal incinerator.
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To minimize the potential for groundwater and drinking water pollution from hazardous wastes, limit your use of hazardous products. Where possible, choose less hazardous alternatives or reusable products. Be aware of the proper disposal practices for hazardous materials and avoid using products that cannot be safely disposed of or recycled.
If you must purchase products that are hazardous, look for products that are clearly labeled with complete instructions for safe use and disposal. Purchase only as much of the product as you expect to use. If there is leftover product, share it with a friend, neighbor or community organization who may need the same product. However, make sure the label is intact before sharing. When possible, buy products that can be recycled.
If you must store hazardous products, keep them in their original, or a well-marked, container so that safety and disposal instructions are available. Keep track of the container while the product is in use to avoid spills.
Never dump hazardous products on the ground, into a sinkhole, in drainage ditches, down a storm drain, into a garbage can, or down a household drain (especially into a septic system). Do not bury hazardous wastes in the ground or leave them at an unlicensed or unregulated dump. Finally, do not dispose of hazardous waste in a burn barrel.
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For additional information, consult the Virginia Farm*A*Syst Directory. Contact your local waste authority for further information about hazardouswaste disposal in your area, including policies for waste disposal at the licensed landfill and/or municipal incinerator serving your area and in any municipal waste water treatment facility. For technical assistance, you may contact the Virginia Cooperative Extension office or Natural Resources Conservation Service office serving your area. In addition, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, 4900 Cox Rd., Glen Allen, VA 23060, 804/527-5000, can provide information about hazardous waste.
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