Toxic Chemicals Disposal Services

Safe Disposal of Toxic and Poisonous Chemicals for Businesses Nationwide

Toxic chemicals require specialized disposal to protect human health and the environment. From heavy metal solutions and cyanides to pesticides and arsenic compounds, EPA regulations mandate proper handling and disposal. Hazardous Waste Disposal provides expert toxic chemical disposal services for laboratories, industries, and businesses nationwide.

Call (800) 582-4833 for toxic chemical disposal services or email info@hazardouswastedisposal.com

What Are Toxic Chemicals?

Toxic chemicals are substances that can cause death, injury, or harm to human health or the environment even in small quantities. These materials are regulated by the EPA under RCRA and require specialized handling, transportation, and disposal methods.

Characteristics of Toxic Waste:

  • Lethal to humans in small doses

  • Harmful through ingestion, inhalation, or skin absorption

  • Bioaccumulative (builds up in organisms)

  • Persistent in the environment

  • Carcinogenic, mutagenic, or teratogenic

  • Specifically listed by EPA as toxic waste

EPA Toxicity Characteristic:

  • Waste with LD50 (oral) less than 50 mg/kg

  • Waste with LC50 (inhalation) less than 2 mg/L

  • Waste with LD50 (dermal) less than 200 mg/kg

  • Contains constituents that exceed TCLP regulatory levels

Common Toxic Chemicals We Handle

Heavy Metals & Compounds

Arsenic & Arsenic Compounds

  • Arsenic trioxide

  • Sodium arsenate

  • Arsenic acid

  • Lead arsenate

  • Pesticide residues containing arsenic

Toxicity: Extremely poisonous, carcinogenic, can be fatal in small doses

Mercury & Mercury Compounds

  • Elemental mercury

  • Mercury salts

  • Mercuric chloride

  • Phenylmercuric acetate

  • Laboratory mercury waste

Toxicity: Bioaccumulative neurotoxin, extremely hazardous

Cadmium Compounds

  • Cadmium oxide

  • Cadmium sulfide

  • Cadmium plating solutions

  • Battery waste with cadmium

Toxicity: Carcinogenic, accumulates in kidneys

Lead Compounds

  • Lead acetate

  • Tetraethyl lead

  • Lead chromate

  • Lead-contaminated waste

Toxicity: Neurotoxin, particularly dangerous to children

Thallium Compounds

  • Thallium sulfate

  • Thallium acetate

  • Rodenticides containing thallium

Toxicity: Extremely toxic, affects nervous system

Chromium VI Compounds

  • Chromic acid

  • Potassium dichromate

  • Chromium plating solutions

Toxicity: Carcinogenic, highly toxic

Cyanides

Inorganic Cyanides

  • Sodium cyanide

  • Potassium cyanide

  • Calcium cyanide

  • Hydrogen cyanide

Organic Cyanides

  • Acetone cyanohydrin

  • Nitriles

  • Cyanide plating solutions

Toxicity: Rapidly lethal, interferes with cellular respiration

Special Handling: Must be kept separate from acids to prevent deadly hydrogen cyanide gas formation

Pesticides & Herbicides

Organophosphates

  • Parathion

  • Malathion

  • Diazinon

  • Chlorpyrifos

Toxicity: Nerve agent, inhibits acetylcholinesterase

Carbamates

  • Carbaryl (Sevin)

  • Aldicarb

  • Carbofuran

Toxicity: Similar to organophosphates but shorter-acting

Organochlorines

  • DDT (banned but still found)

  • Chlordane

  • Lindane

  • Endosulfan

Toxicity: Persistent, bioaccumulative, endocrine disruptor

Herbicides

  • Paraquat

  • 2,4-D

  • Atrazine

  • Glyphosate (concentrated formulations)

Toxicity: Varies by compound, some highly toxic

Laboratory Reagents

P-Listed Chemicals (Acutely Hazardous)

  • Nicotine

  • Warfarin

  • Physostigmine

  • Epinephrine

  • Strychnine

  • Phentermine

U-Listed Chemicals (Toxic)

  • Chloroform

  • Formaldehyde

  • Selenium compounds

  • Antimony compounds

  • Beryllium compounds

Pharmaceutical Waste

Chemotherapy Drugs

  • Platinum-based agents

  • Alkylating agents

  • Antimetabolites

  • Anthracyclines

Toxicity: Carcinogenic, mutagenic, teratogenic

P-Listed Pharmaceuticals

  • Warfarin

  • Physostigmine

  • Epinephrine

  • Nicotine products

Other Toxic Materials

Fluoroacetic Acid & Salts

  • Sodium fluoroacetate (Compound 1080)

  • Highly toxic rodenticide

Osmium Tetroxide

  • Laboratory staining agent

  • Extremely toxic to eyes and respiratory system

Selenium & Compounds

  • Selenium dioxide

  • Sodium selenite

  • Laboratory reagents

Antimony Compounds

  • Antimony trioxide

  • Antimony pentachloride

  • Industrial catalysts

Industries That Generate Toxic Chemical Waste

Research Laboratories

  • University chemistry labs

  • Government research facilities

  • Private research institutions

  • Analytical testing labs

  • Pharmaceutical R&D

Healthcare

  • Hospital laboratories

  • Research hospitals

  • Pharmaceutical manufacturing

  • Chemotherapy preparation

  • Pathology labs

Agriculture

  • Pesticide manufacturing

  • Agricultural chemical distribution

  • Pest control companies

  • Fertilizer production

  • Crop dusting operations

Metal Finishing & Plating

  • Electroplating facilities

  • Metal treatment operations

  • Chrome plating shops

  • Jewelry manufacturing

  • Circuit board manufacturing

Chemical Manufacturing

  • Specialty chemical production

  • Catalyst manufacturing

  • Pharmaceutical production

  • Pesticide formulation

  • Industrial chemical synthesis

Mining & Extraction

  • Gold mining (cyanide processing)

  • Metal ore processing

  • Mineral extraction

  • Tailings management

Electronics

  • Semiconductor manufacturing

  • Circuit board production

  • Display manufacturing

  • Battery production

Toxic Waste Regulations

EPA RCRA Regulations

P-List Hazardous Wastes (Acutely Hazardous)

  • Discarded commercial chemical products

  • Off-spec products or manufacturing residues

  • Containers that held P-listed chemicals

Requirements:

  • Extremely strict management standards

  • Empty container rule doesn't apply

  • Lower generator quantity thresholds

  • Special labeling requirements

U-List Hazardous Wastes (Toxic)

  • Toxic commercial chemical products

  • Off-spec materials

  • Spill residues and container residues

Requirements:

  • Standard hazardous waste regulations

  • Generator category determines requirements

  • Proper labeling and manifesting

TCLP Characteristic Toxic Waste

Waste that fails Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) for:

  • Arsenic (5.0 mg/L)

  • Barium (100.0 mg/L)

  • Cadmium (1.0 mg/L)

  • Chromium (5.0 mg/L)

  • Lead (5.0 mg/L)

  • Mercury (0.2 mg/L)

  • Selenium (1.0 mg/L)

  • Silver (5.0 mg/L)

  • And other specified toxics

Generator Requirements by Category

Large Quantity Generator (LQG):

  • Generate >1,000 kg/month or >1 kg/month of P-listed acute hazardous waste

  • 90-day accumulation limit

  • Full RCRA compliance

  • EPA ID number required

  • Personnel training

  • Contingency plans

Small Quantity Generator (SQG):

  • Generate 100-1,000 kg/month

  • 180-day accumulation limit (270 days if >200 miles to disposal)

  • EPA ID number required

  • Basic training

Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG):

  • Generate <100 kg/month

  • Cannot accumulate >1 kg of P-listed acute hazardous waste

  • Minimal requirements

  • Must ensure proper disposal

State-Specific Regulations

Many states have additional toxic waste regulations beyond federal EPA requirements. We stay current with all state regulations including:

  • California's strict toxic waste rules

  • New York's additional requirements

  • Texas environmental regulations

  • Florida's hazardous waste program

  • Massachusetts toxics reduction requirements

Our Toxic Chemical Disposal Services

Complete Disposal Service

What we handle:

  • P-listed acutely hazardous chemicals

  • U-listed toxic chemicals

  • TCLP characteristic toxic waste

  • Heavy metal solutions and compounds

  • Cyanide waste (non-reactive)

  • Pesticides and herbicides

  • Toxic laboratory reagents

  • Pharmaceutical toxic waste

  • Contaminated materials with toxics

Service includes:

  • Proper classification and characterization

  • EPA waste code determination

  • Appropriate packaging and labeling

  • DOT-compliant transportation

  • Treatment at permitted facilities

  • Complete manifests and documentation

  • Certificates of destruction

Lab Pack Services

For multiple small containers of toxic chemicals:

  • On-site segregation and packaging

  • Compatibility assessment

  • Proper containerization with absorbent

  • Mixed waste consolidation

  • Complete inventory documentation

Bulk Liquid Collection

For larger quantities of toxic liquids:

  • Direct drumming services

  • Pump-out of tanks and vessels

  • Bulk transportation

  • Specialized equipment for different materials

Unknown Material Identification

Don't know what's in that old container?

  • Visual assessment

  • Testing and analysis if needed

  • Hazard classification

  • Proper disposal pathway determination

Emergency Response

24/7 availability for:

  • Spills and releases

  • Discovered toxic materials

  • Contaminated areas

  • Urgent regulatory compliance needs

Contaminated Soil & Materials

Toxic chemical spills often contaminate:

  • Soil and earth

  • Building materials

  • Equipment and tools

  • Absorbents and cleanup materials

We can handle contaminated materials removal and disposal.

Proper Storage of Toxic Chemicals

Container Requirements

Appropriate containers:

  • Compatible with chemical contents

  • Good condition with no leaks

  • Proper capacity for material volume

  • Tight-fitting lids or bungs

  • DOT-approved if applicable

Never use:

  • Damaged or corroded containers

  • Incompatible materials (e.g., acids in metal drums)

  • Food or beverage containers

  • Unmarked containers

Labeling Requirements

All toxic waste containers must be labeled with:

  • "Hazardous Waste"

  • Chemical identity or contents

  • EPA waste code (P-code or U-code)

  • Accumulation start date

  • Hazard warnings (Poison, Toxic, etc.)

  • Generator information

Segregation Requirements

Keep separate:

  • Cyanides from acids (prevents deadly gas)

  • Oxidizers from organics and flammables

  • Reactive materials from incompatibles

  • P-listed from U-listed waste (for inventory)

  • Different heavy metal solutions

Storage Area Requirements

  • Secure location with restricted access

  • Well-ventilated

  • Protected from weather

  • Secondary containment if liquid

  • Away from drains and water sources

  • Proper signage

  • Emergency equipment accessible

  • Fire suppression if needed

Accumulation Time Limits

Don't exceed:

  • LQG: 90 days

  • SQG: 180 days (270 if disposal facility >200 miles)

  • VSQG: Must not accumulate >1 kg of P-listed acute hazardous waste

Safety & Health Hazards

Routes of Exposure

Inhalation:

  • Vapors, dusts, mists

  • Most rapid route for many toxics

  • Can be immediately dangerous

Ingestion:

  • Accidental or through contaminated hands

  • Can be lethal for many P-listed chemicals

Dermal Absorption:

  • Through intact skin

  • Some toxics readily absorbed

  • Cumulative exposure dangerous

Injection:

  • Through cuts or puncture wounds

  • Direct entry to bloodstream

Protective Equipment Required

Minimum PPE:

  • Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene, etc.)

  • Safety glasses or goggles

  • Lab coat or chemical-resistant apron

  • Closed-toe shoes

Additional PPE for highly toxic materials:

  • Face shield

  • Respirator (if vapor hazard)

  • Double gloves

  • Full body protection

  • Work in fume hood or ventilated area

Emergency Procedures

In case of exposure:

  1. Remove from exposure immediately

  2. Flush affected area with water (15+ minutes for skin/eyes)

  3. Remove contaminated clothing

  4. Seek medical attention immediately

  5. Bring SDS or chemical information

  6. Call Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

In case of spill:

  1. Evacuate area if necessary

  2. Contain spill if safe to do so

  3. Use appropriate absorbents

  4. Never attempt cleanup of large or dangerous spills

  5. Call emergency services if needed

  6. Contact us for professional cleanup: (800) 582-4833

Toxic Chemical Disposal Costs

Cost Factors:

  • Specific toxic chemical or compound

  • Quantity and concentration

  • P-listed vs U-listed vs TCLP characteristic

  • Container type and condition

  • Required disposal method (incineration, stabilization, etc.)

  • Transportation distance

  • Testing or characterization needed

Typical Pricing Ranges:

Small Quantities (lab scale):

  • P-listed chemicals: $200-$500 per container

  • U-listed chemicals: $150-$400 per container

  • Heavy metal solutions: $100-$300 per container

  • Lab pack service: $1,000-$2,500 per drum

Bulk Quantities:

  • Cyanide solutions: $5-$15 per gallon

  • Heavy metal plating solutions: $3-$10 per gallon

  • Pesticide waste: $8-$20 per gallon

  • Mercury waste: $10-$30 per pound

Contaminated Materials:

  • Mercury-contaminated materials: $500-$1,500 per drum

  • Arsenic-contaminated soil: $200-$600 per drum

  • Lead-contaminated waste: $150-$400 per drum

Emergency Service:

  • Premium for urgent response

  • After-hours availability

  • Specialized equipment if needed

Volume discounts available for larger quantities

Call (800) 582-4833 for accurate pricing specific to your materials

Toxic Waste Minimization

Source Reduction

  • Substitute less toxic alternatives when possible

  • Purchase only quantities needed

  • Share excess materials with other facilities

  • Implement inventory management systems

  • Train staff on proper use to minimize waste

Recycling & Recovery

Some toxic materials can be recycled:

  • Silver from photographic processes

  • Mercury from certain applications

  • Heavy metals from plating solutions

  • Solvents through distillation

We can advise on recycling opportunities.

Better Management Practices

  • Date all chemicals when opened

  • Use "First In, First Out" inventory rotation

  • Proper storage to prevent degradation

  • Regular inventory inspections

  • Dispose of expired materials promptly

  • Keep accurate records

Common Toxic Waste Scenarios

University Chemistry Department

A university lab has accumulated 50 bottles of various P-listed and U-listed reagents including cyanide salts, arsenic compounds, and mercury solutions over several years. We provide on-site lab pack service, properly segregating incompatible materials and packing into 3 drums with appropriate documentation. Cost: $3,000-$5,000.

Metal Plating Facility

A chrome plating shop generates 200 gallons monthly of chromium VI plating solutions and cyanide-bearing rinsewater. We provide monthly pickup with proper drums and complete hazardous waste manifests. Cost: $1,500-$2,500/month.

Pest Control Company

A pest control distributor has 30 gallons of old, banned pesticides (DDT, chlordane) that need disposal along with 50 gallons of current-use pesticides that are expired. We provide proper characterization, packaging, and disposal with all required documentation. Cost: $2,500-$4,000.

Hospital Pharmacy

A hospital pharmacy has 20 pounds of P-listed pharmaceutical waste including chemotherapy drugs and other acutely hazardous medications. We provide pharmaceutical-specific disposal service with complete chain of custody and destruction certificates. Cost: $1,500-$2,500.

Manufacturing Plant Closure

A chemical manufacturing facility is closing and has 500 gallons of various toxic chemicals including heavy metal solutions, cyanide process chemicals, and toxic organic compounds. We provide comprehensive cleanout service over multiple days with complete characterization and disposal. Cost: $15,000-$30,000.

Why Choose Us for Toxic Chemical Disposal

Expertise & Experience

Over 30 years handling toxic and acutely hazardous chemicals. Our staff understands the dangers and regulations associated with these materials.

Complete Compliance

We ensure full compliance with EPA, DOT, and state regulations. All manifests, documentation, and disposal certificates provided.

Safety First

Proper protective equipment, trained personnel, and emergency response capability. We treat every toxic chemical with the respect it demands.

Proper Disposal Methods

We work with permitted treatment, storage, and disposal facilities that can properly handle toxic materials through incineration, stabilization, or other approved methods.

Transparent Communication

Clear explanations of costs, processes, and requirements. No surprises, no hidden fees.

Emergency Response Available

24/7 availability for urgent situations involving toxic chemicals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What makes a chemical "toxic" under EPA regulations? A: Chemicals are toxic if they're specifically listed as P-list or U-list wastes, or if they exhibit the toxicity characteristic by failing TCLP testing at specified levels.

Q: Can toxic chemicals be poured down the drain? A: Absolutely not. This is illegal, extremely dangerous, and can result in severe penalties plus environmental cleanup costs.

Q: What's the difference between P-listed and U-listed waste? A: P-listed wastes are acutely hazardous (dangerous in small amounts) and have stricter regulations. U-listed wastes are toxic but less stringent requirements.

Q: How should I store cyanide waste? A: In proper containers, labeled clearly, and kept completely separate from any acids. Never store cyanide and acid in the same area due to risk of deadly gas formation.

Q: What if I have an unknown chemical that might be toxic? A: Don't handle it. Call us for professional identification and disposal. Never taste, smell, or unnecessarily handle unknown chemicals.

Q: How quickly must toxic waste be disposed of? A: Depends on your generator category. LQGs: 90 days. SQGs: 180-270 days. For P-listed acute hazardous waste, you cannot accumulate more than 1 kg without triggering LQG requirements.

Q: Can toxic waste be incinerated? A: Many toxic wastes are properly disposed of through high-temperature incineration at permitted facilities. This destroys the toxic compounds while capturing emissions.

Q: What happens if someone is exposed to toxic chemicals? A: Seek immediate medical attention. Call 911 for serious exposures. Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Provide SDS or chemical information to medical personnel.

Q: Do you handle PCB waste? A: PCBs require specialized handling under TSCA regulations. Contact us to discuss your specific PCB disposal needs.

Q: What about radioactive materials? A: Radioactive materials require specialized licensing we don't have. We can provide referrals to licensed radioactive waste disposal companies.

Get Started with Toxic Chemical Disposal

Call (800) 582-4833 or email info@hazardouswastedisposal.com

What to have ready:

  • List of chemicals requiring disposal

  • Quantities of each material

  • Current packaging/container information

  • Safety Data Sheets if available

  • EPA waste codes if known

  • Any special handling requirements

We'll provide:

  • Free quote for your materials

  • Proper characterization and waste codes

  • Appropriate containers and labels

  • Pickup scheduling

  • All manifests and documentation

  • Certificates of destruction

  • Regulatory compliance guidance

Emergency service available 24/7

Serving businesses nationwide, since 1992 - expert disposal of toxic and hazardous chemicals with complete regulatory compliance and safety focus

SAFETY WARNING: Toxic chemicals can cause serious injury or death. Always use proper protective equipment, follow all safety procedures, and seek professional disposal services. Never attempt to dispose of toxic chemicals through improper methods.