Corrosivity characteristic
Covers acid and caustic chemicals that affect metal, plastic, and human tissue.
- Liquid with pH <2.0 OR > 12.5
- Material that corrodes steel > 0.25 inch per year.
Examples of corrosive chemicals:
- inorganic acids
- inorganic bases
- some organic amines
Neutralization
Certain acids and bases may be neutralized to a pH between 6 and 9 and discharged to the sewer instead of being handled as hazardous waste. Sewer limits are more stringent than the hazardous waste rules because they are designed to protect concrete sewer pipes.