This year’s theme for National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW), “Bright futures begin lead-free,” highlights the importance of minimizing lead exposure to create safer communities and healthier workplaces.
Lead exposure isn’t just a household issue. In the manufacturing world, lead is present in a wide range of industrial processes and materials, posing serious health risks if mishandled. From smelting to battery production, managing lead waste properly is critical for both environmental safety and regulatory compliance.
This blog will explore key aspects of lead disposal in industrial settings, including how to safely manage lead-contaminated liquids, soil, and materials. We’ll also cover essential decontamination procedures and how Heritage Environmental Services can help municipalities and businesses responsibly handle household hazardous waste (HHW) collection. We can work together to create a future where every community, workplace, and household is lead-free.
Yes, lead-containing wastes may be considered a characteristic or listed hazardous waste under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) depending on the process generating the waste and the chemical attributes of the waste. When lead is mishandled, it poses significant environmental and health risks due to its toxic nature.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates how companies manage lead-bearing waste, requiring proper treatment methods to prevent environmental contamination of air, water, and soil. Companies must treat and store lead waste in compliance with hazardous waste regulations, including the use of secure containers, clear labeling, and documentation for disposal. Failing to manage lead waste responsibly can lead to severe fines and legal penalties.
In manufacturing, lead can emerge in various forms, often linked to industries focused on metals, batteries, and certain chemicals. You can find lead in industries like:
Each of these processes poses a risk of lead exposure, and without proper waste management, lead can accumulate in the environment, creating long-term health risks. Manufacturing companies must remain vigilant in identifying lead in their operations and work with waste management partners, like Heritage, to safely manage and dispose of lead-containing materials.
Lead can still be found in everyday household items, even with stricter regulations. Some common items include:
Municipalities play a key role in managing household hazardous waste (HHW), and Heritage offers customized collection programs to help. We work with local governments to safely collect, transport, and dispose of lead-containing products and other hazardous waste. Our services keep communities safe and ensure environmental compliance, while helping municipalities handle HHW efficiently and responsibly.
Proper management of lead-contaminated materials is critical to prevent environmental contamination and health risks. Lead waste, whether solid or liquid, must be handled with care and in compliance with hazardous waste regulations. Manufacturers and municipalities alike need to follow strict procedures to ensure lead is disposed of safely
Lead decontamination involves safely removing and cleaning areas or items exposed to lead. This typically includes:
Lead-contaminated liquids, such as water or industrial solutions, require specialized treatment. These liquids cannot be poured down drains or disposed of in regular waste systems. Instead, companies should:
When lead contaminates soil, either from industrial processes or accidental spills, the removal process can be complex. The process typically involves:
At Heritage, we believe that a brighter, lead-free future is within reach. Corporations play a crucial role in reducing lead exposure, not only for their employees but for the communities they serve. By partnering with Heritage, you can ensure that your operations are compliant, your hazardous waste is handled responsibly, and your impact on the environment is minimized.
This year’s NLPPW theme, “Bright futures begin lead-free,” is a call to action for all of us. Whether it’s through helping municipalities manage household hazardous waste or guiding businesses through the complex regulations surrounding lead disposal, Heritage is ready to support your efforts in creating a lead-free environment.
Together, we can make a meaningful difference in reducing lead exposure and securing a safer future for our children, our communities, and our industries. Let’s build a brighter, lead-free tomorrow—starting today.
Ready to take the next step in lead safety? Contact us to learn how we can help you manage hazardous lead waste.
Heritage Environmental Services announced today that Rachel Evans will join the organization as Chief Human Resources Officer.
Celebrate Teresa Wade's legacy at Heritage Environmental and her dedication to Wreaths Across America. Learn her story and how you can honor veterans
Learn more about Heritage Environmental Services securing a commercial permit for its Orange, TX incinerator, expanding waste disposal solutions.
Heritage Environmental Services (“HES”), an EQT Infrastructure portfolio company, announced today that Timothy Thomas will join the organization as Ch
Heritage Environmental Services, an EQT Infrastructure portfolio company, has completed the acquisition of EBV from General Dynamics.
Learn more about the current and proposed regulation for PFAS and what they mean from our Chief Sustainability and Innovation Officer, Angie Martin.
Heritage Environmental Servicess, an EQT Infrastructure portfolio company, will acquire EBV from General Dynamics