Hazardous Waste

The term hazardous waste refers to any waste that requires special handling because it presents a serious threat to human health and the environment. The EPA classifies about 450 specific types of refuse as hazardous; wastes are also deemed hazardous if they are ignitable, corrosive, reactive, or toxic. Hazardous wastes are subject to federal and state management requirements.

The human health risks associated with the generation, transport, and storage of hazardous wastes are vast. Serious health effects can result from exposure through direct contact, inhalation of harmful substances in air, use of affected ground water or surface water for consumption or irrigation, or ingestion of plants or animals grown on tainted soil. Accidents involving hazardous wastes are a risk as well.

Generation

In 1999, Texas industries produced about 15 million tons of hazardous waste, excluding hazardous wastewaters - more than one-third of all such waste in the United States.[i] The multitude of chemical manufacturers, petroleum refineries, and other industries in the region produces a large portion of this toxic refuse..[ii]  Harris, Brazoria, and Galveston counties are the top three hazardous waste producers in Texas, together creating almost two-thirds of the state’s total.[iii]

Disposal

More than 99 percent of Texas hazardous waste is managed onsite or treated and discharged into a wastewater treatment facility. In 1994, there were 20 approved or active hazardous waste incinerators and eight deep injection wells in the Houston area. Most hazardous wastes generated in the region are disposed of by deep well injection.[iv]

Contaminated Sites

The region has a relatively high concentration of sites contaminated by hazardous materials. There are currently 17 sites in Harris County that are on the EPA’s National Priorities List for the Federal Superfund or the Texas State Superfund List.[v] The county is among the top ten counties in the United States with the most Superfund sites.[vi] Scores of other contaminated sites, such as brownfields, exist as well, but are not officially tracked.

Inequity

Like many environmental problems, hazardous waste disposal most affects low-income and minority neighborhoods. Texas is one of five states with the most commercial waste facilities in communities with above the national average percentage of people of color. Studies also show a strong negative correlation between proximity of hazardous waste facilities or contaminated sites and property values.[vii]

Environmental Organizations

Although there is no group or organization specifically dedicated to hazardous waste in the region, this is a concern that intersects with air, water, and soil issues. Environmental Defense (www.environmentaldefense.org), Health Care Without Harm (www.noharm.org), and Texas Nuclear Waste Defense Coalition in West Texas (erinrogers99@hotmail.com) are available to give advice and support to citizens wishing to tackle local hazardous waste problems.

What You Can Do

Learn about toxics in your community

Find out who is generating and disposing of toxic materials in your neighborhood through the www.scorecard.org or www.texasep.org websites.