Hazardous Waste vs. Biohazardous Waste: What's the Difference?

We've been receiving calls from people looking for help with hazardous material pickup or disposal—particularly gasoline and other chemicals.

And one thing we've noticed is that there can be some confusion between hazardous waste and biohazardous waste. Some people assume that because a chemical is hazardous, it also falls under the category of a biohazard.

But that's not necessarily the case.

Hazardous waste and biohazardous waste are not the same thing. They can involve very different types of materials, risks, handling procedures, and disposal requirements.

So, if you find an old container of gasoline in a garage, come across leftover chemicals during a property cleanout, or encounter blood or bodily fluid contamination, how do you know what you're dealing with—and who should you call?

Let's break it down.

What Is Hazardous Waste?

Hazardous waste generally refers to materials that can potentially harm people, property, or the environment because of their chemical or physical properties.

A material may be considered hazardous because it is flammable, corrosive, toxic, reactive, or otherwise dangerous if improperly handled.

Common examples found around homes and properties may include:

• Gasoline and other fuels
• Paint and paint thinners
• Chemical solvents
• Pesticides and herbicides
• Pool chemicals
• Certain cleaning products
• Automotive fluids
• Batteries

For example, an old container of gasoline may be highly flammable and require special disposal. However, that does not make gasoline biohazardous waste.

The same applies to many chemicals and household products. They may be dangerous, but the type of danger determines how they should be handled and who is equipped to handle them.

The EPA recommends that household hazardous waste not be poured down drains, onto the ground, or into storm sewers. Local disposal programs are often available to help residents safely manage these materials.

What Is Biohazardous Waste?

Biohazardous waste involves biological materials or contamination that may pose a risk to human health.

Unlike hazardous waste, which is often associated with chemicals or dangerous physical properties, biohazardous materials come from biological sources.

Examples may include:

• Blood
• Bodily fluids
• Materials contaminated with blood or bodily fluids
• Trauma scene contamination
• Decomposition-related contamination
• Certain potentially infectious materials

These situations often require more than simply removing visible materials. Biological contamination can affect flooring, furniture, porous materials, and other areas of a property.

Proper cleanup may involve specialized procedures, protective equipment, cleaning methods, and disposal practices.

But What If Something Is Both Hazardous and Biological?

Some situations aren't always straightforward.

A property may contain a combination of different materials. You might encounter chemicals near an area with biological contamination, discover an unknown substance during a property cleanout, or find materials that cannot be easily identified. That's why it's important not to assume that every potentially dangerous material can be handled the same way.

If you don't know what a substance is, avoid touching, opening, moving, or attempting to dispose of it yourself.

Instead, contact the appropriate local authority or qualified professional for guidance.

Who Should You Call for Gasoline, Chemicals, and Other Hazardous Materials?

If you're dealing with gasoline, paint, chemicals, pesticides, automotive fluids, or other household hazardous materials, a biohazard cleanup company may not be the right resource.

Depending on the material and the situation, you may need to contact:

• Your local household hazardous waste program
• Your city or county environmental services department
• Your local solid waste authority
• A licensed hazardous waste disposal company
• A qualified hazardous materials professional

Many cities and counties have programs specifically designed to help residents dispose of household chemicals and other potentially hazardous materials.

For example, in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, local programs accept various household hazardous materials, including automotive fluids, fuels, cleaners, chemicals, lawn and garden products, pool chemicals, and paint products. However, acceptance policies and requirements can vary depending on the program and your location.

Before You Dispose of Hazardous Materials

Avoid:

• Pouring chemicals or gasoline down a drain
• Dumping materials onto the ground
• Pouring materials into storm drains
• Mixing different chemicals together
• Removing products from their original labeled containers when possible

The EPA advises residents to check with their local environmental, health, or solid waste agency to learn about disposal options available in their area.

Who Should You Call for Blood, Bodily Fluids, or Biological Contamination?

Situations involving blood, bodily fluids, trauma, decomposition, or other biological contamination may require professional biohazard cleanup. This is where a company specializing in biohazard remediation can help.

Triad Property Recovery specializes in professional biohazard and trauma cleanup, helping property owners, families, and businesses address situations involving biological contamination.

Depending on the situation, professional cleanup may involve assessing the affected area, removing contaminated materials, cleaning and disinfecting affected surfaces, and properly handling materials that cannot be safely restored.

These situations can also be emotionally difficult for families and property owners. Having an experienced team handle the cleanup can allow those involved to focus on more important matters.

The Right Cleanup Starts With Knowing What You're Dealing With

The words hazardous and biohazardous may sound similar, but they don't mean the same thing.

Gasoline may be hazardous because it is flammable. Pool chemicals may be hazardous because they can be reactive or corrosive. Paint thinners and pesticides may contain chemicals that require special disposal.

On the other hand, blood, bodily fluids, trauma scenes, and decomposition-related contamination involve biological hazards that require a different type of cleanup and expertise.

The important thing is knowing that not every dangerous material should be handled by the same type of professional.

When you understand the difference, you can take the right next step—and make sure the material is handled by the appropriate people and disposed of properly.

If you're dealing with blood, bodily fluids, trauma-related contamination, or another biohazard situation, Triad Property Recovery is available to help.

If you're dealing with gasoline, chemicals, or other hazardous materials, contact your local household hazardous waste program or environmental services department to determine the safest disposal option for your specific situation.