Characteristics of Hazardous Waste - Corrosivity

Corrosive wastes are identified by the EPA hazardous waste number D002.

D002 only addresses the corrosivity of aqueous wastes and other liquids; thus, waste NaOH pellets, for example, are not a hazardous waste. (NOTE: Some states have included solids.)

Generally corrosive wastes are acidic or basic wastes generated when preparing samples, carrying out an analytical procedure, or cleaning laboratory equipment (i.e., glassware).

Corrosive wastes may be neutralized and disposed of down the drain if they are not listed hazardous wastes or do not exhibit any other RCRA hazardous waste characteristic.

Solid corrosive wastes may not be a characteristic waste, however, they may be listed. Even if they are not a regulated hazardous waste, they should be handled cautiously and disposed of in an environmentally sound manner.

§261.22 Characteristic of Corrosivity