What are some methods of disposing of hazardous wastes?
1 Answer
Above ground storage (in the case of nuclear waste), disposal in deep geological formations and high temperature incineration and the three most common methods in dealing with hazardous waste.
Explanation:
Nuclear waste is commonly stored in above ground "swimming pools" or containers. Most countries are trying to find underground geological formations to store nuclear waste, but this is turning out to be a difficult task.
Certain chemicals can be disposed of in deep geological formations if the local government approves of this action. For example, the current use of fracking in North America generates huge quantities of chemically contained freshwater and it is commonly pumped into deep rock formations when this is allowed.
Other contaminated wastes can also be disposed of by high temperature incineration which tends to break these chemical compounds into more benign chemicals. Large furnaces are used to do this.
