Industrial waste

Industrial waste is the waste produced by industrial activity, such as that from factories, mills and mines. It has existed since the start of the Industrial Revolution. Some examples of industrial wastes are chemical solvents, pigments, sludge, metals, ash, paints, sandpaper, paper products, industrial by-products, metals, radioactive wastes, etc.

Industrial waste may be solid, semi-solid, liquid or gaseous unwanted/residual materials from industrial operations. It is often a significant form of waste.

Types of Industrial Waste

Industrial waste can be categorized into two main types - hazardous and non-hazardous.

• Hazardous waste is waste that poses substantial or potential threats to public health or the environment. It generally has one or more of the following characteristics: ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity or toxicity.

• Non-hazardous waste does not pose an immediate threat to the environment or to human health. Examples of non-hazardous waste include paper, wood, and some types of metal.

Effects of Industrial Waste

Industrial waste can have significant effects on the environment, including pollution, habitat destruction, and global warming. These effects can have serious consequences for wildlife and human health.

Industrial Waste Management

Industrial waste management involves the process of managing the storage, transportation and disposal of industrial waste. It is important to manage industrial waste properly to prevent the harmful effects it can have on the environment and human health.

See Also

• Waste management
• Hazardous waste
• Non-hazardous waste
• Pollution
• Habitat destruction
• Global warming

References

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  Berkeley Pit, Butte, Montana
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  Early Housatonic cleanup, Pittsfield, MA
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  Lixão Altamira, Pará
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  Water pollution in the Wairarapa