How is solid waste from munitions treated differently from regular municipal waste?

Solid waste from munitions is treated differently from regular municipal waste primarily because it often contains materials that could be hazardous to health and the environment. Munitions may include explosive residues, heavy metals, or chemicals that can pose serious risks if not handled properly.

Treating this type of waste as hazardous ensures that it is managed according to strict regulations designed to minimize potential environmental contamination and public health risks. Regulatory frameworks, such as those defined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States, require hazardous wastes to be stored, transported, and disposed of in specific ways that prevent leaks and exposure.

In contrast, regular municipal waste does not typically require the same level of scrutiny, as it generally consists of everyday items that do not pose the same risks. Therefore, treating solid waste from munitions as hazardous is essential for ensuring safety and compliance with environmental laws.