Safely storing dangerous or toxic materials is not just good for the environment, it is good for business. Proper storage methods for hazardous byproducts can protect employees and neighbors, generate goodwill amongst the community, and even help avoid lawsuits that could arise from poorly stored fallout. Unfortunately, there is not one solution to cover all items. Different materials require different types of storage, with each offering various benefits or drawbacks in effectiveness, longevity, and – of course – cost. This article will analyze storage options for some of the more common forms of hazardous waste and list the best options for storing the byproducts.

Biomedical Waste – For most forms of biomedical waste, stainless steel tanks server as effective containment units. Biomedical waste or product can be especially dangerous because of its capacity to carry disease that can lead to epidemics amongst humans or animals. Stainless steel tanks offer airtight options that can successfully prevent contamination both from the outside elements and to the outside elements. Stainless steel is also not easily corroded, which adds a long-term reliability to their use. Acids or other corrosive elements present in many forms of biomedical waste do not pose a significant threat (in most cases) to these tanks or storage units.

Ethanol and other forms of Biodiesel Fuels – Ethanol is a product that is ever increasing in popularity and use as cost of petroleum continues to rise across the entire globe. While it is an alternative to petroleum based fuel, it offers most of the same dangers. The chemical is highly flammable and can be toxic to both the environment as well as humans/animals if ingested (or even inhaled in quantity). As such, proper storage of these fuels is a must. While stainless steel tanks and other expensive metals offer possibilities, plastic storage units are most commonly used for ethanol due to its relative low cost, abundance, and plastic also offers resistance to sparks and electrical currents – reducing the risk of a freak fire.

Industrial Waste – Industrial waste is most feared for its potential harm to the environment as well as the possibility of carrying cancer-causing agents. Due to these dangers, it is typically stored deep underground out of reach of both people and the elements. In these situations, fiberglass tanks offer a good option due to their strength and reliability. Underground leakage could lead to many problems, including exposure to the water supply, so using tanks that are strong enough to hold up against underground pressure while remaining sealed is a must.

Radioactive Waste – Recent events in Japan have brought the use and storage of radioactive materials into the limelight. The storage and disposal of radioactive waste almost always falls under the jurisdiction of a series of laws and policies due to the extreme immediate dangers involved with exposure to this byproduct in addition to its lengthy timeframe of danger (up to one million years in some cases). When dealing with any products or processes that have a radioactive byproduct, make sure to check with local authorities to ensure that safety procedures are followed.

Author Bio: By Felix Chesterfield; For more information on this article, specifically stainless steel tanks, please contact the author or visit the site above.

Category: Society
Keywords: Hazardous materials storage, safe storage, waste storage