How must an absorbent that has been used to absorb hazardous waste be treated?

• A. Recycled as soil
• B. As hazardous waste
• C. Mixed with water
• D. Sent to regular trash

Answer: (B)

When an absorbent has been used to soak up hazardous waste, the absorbent itself becomes contaminated and must be treated as hazardous waste. The liquid it absorbed may contain hazardous constituents that can leach out or pose risks even after absorption, so regulations require handling and disposing of the spent absorbent through the same hazardous-waste processes as the material it absorbed. This means storing it in a properly labeled, closed container, keeping it separate from nonhazardous waste, and arranging disposal or treatment with a licensed hazardous-waste contractor. It should not be recycled as soil, mixed with water, or sent to regular trash, because doing so would spread contamination and violate environmental laws.