How should used clean-up materials be disposed?

• A. Bury them on site.
• B. Place them in a sealable bucket, then call your emergency response contractor to dispose of them.
• C. Place them in the regular trash.
• D. Flush them down the drain.

Answer: (C)

Disposal of used clean-up materials must prevent environmental contamination and follow local rules. In typical small spill cleanups where the material is no longer hazardous, placing the used absorbent or cleanup waste in the regular trash is appropriate because it keeps the waste contained and away from sensitive environments and avoids unnecessary use of specialized disposal services. Burying on site can allow contaminants to reach soil and groundwater, flushing down the drain can pollute the water system, and calling an emergency response contractor is for larger spills or materials that remain hazardous. If the material is still hazardous or regulations require it, follow hazardous waste disposal procedures instead.