Some non-hazardous liquids can go down the sewer, but you must first confirm that the liquid meets specific criteria, such as being water-soluble, non-flammable, having a neutral pH, and being biodegradable. Generally, household greywater (water from sinks, showers, and washing machines), normal-strength cleaning fluids, and water from food prep are acceptable, while fats, oils, grease, and high concentrations of certain chemicals are not. Always check local regulations or university policies, as definitions of “non-hazardous” vary, and some items, even if non-hazardous, may still be prohibited due to their potential to cause blockages or harm the wastewater treatment process.
HazChem called for Spill Cleanup: See Our Process:
Although this was a non-hazardous spill, there was action to be taken:
Some non-hazardous chemicals are only permitted in small, diluted quantities. Some materials, while not technically “hazardous,” can harm the biological processes at the treatment plant. Always consult your city’s or wastewater treatment plant’s guidelines for specific rules in case of a spill, or call HazChem, a spill expert.
What Non-Hazardous Liquids Can Go Down a Sewer?
Household Greywater:
This includes water from bathing, showering, washing clothes, and dishes.
Food-Related Water:
Water used for preparing food and routine cleaning of appliances is usually acceptable.
Normal-Strength Cleaning Fluids:
Most common household cleaning products are designed for safe disposal in wastewater systems.
Biodegradable Substances:
Liquids that are easily broken down by the wastewater treatment plant are more likely to be sewer safe.
Certain Lab Solutions:
Some laboratory chemicals, like dilute inorganic salts and organic buffers, may be drain-disposable if they meet specific criteria like low concentration and moderate pH.
What generally should NOT go down the drain:
- Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG): These can solidify in pipes, causing blockages and backups.
- Hot Liquids: Liquids hotter than 140°F are often prohibited as they can damage pipes or the biological processes at the treatment plant.
- Solid or Viscous Substances: Anything that can cause blockages, such as food waste, rags, or plastic, should not go down the drain.
- Highly Acidic or Basic Solutions: Liquids with a pH outside a specific range (often 5.5 to 9.5) can damage pipes and the treatment process and may need neutralization first.
- Flammable Liquids: Chemicals like gasoline or kerosene should never be poured down the drain.
- Medications: Pharmaceuticals can contaminate the water supply and are not meant for drain disposal.
The crew arrived on-site and held a health and safety meeting. The crew put on the appropriate PPE to work with the Blue Liquid. Photographs were taken of the initial conditions before any work was performed. The crew observed 5-gallons released and spilled from the nose of the trailer, impacting the sewer. The employees had partially cleaned up the impacted lot, however, the sewer needed to be pumped out.
See our Cleanup Crew in Action and our Remediation Process:
Our technicians crew located one 5-gallon pail that was forked and two others that were compromised. All three were placed into a 55-gallon OTS drum, to be disposed of as waste. The impact that the three drums had on the trailer floor was 8’x10’. The crew deployed oil dry into the standing product waste and worked it in with hard brooms and shovels, for absorption. The crew staged a 55-gallon OTS drum with a poly liner inside then a generator to power the pneumatic vac.
The crew placed one piece of absorbent boom to collect any residual that was floating on the water. Then, the drum-vac was utilized to pump out 40-gallons of wastewater.
Our HazChem/GFL technicians continued cleaning the impacted concrete with deploying oil dry into the standing product waste. The oil dry was worked into the product waste with hard brooms and shovels, for absorption.
The solidified product waste was scooped up and placed into the designated drum. All the pieces of boom, used supplies, and collected waste went into one drum. The waste drum was sealed, properly labeled, and kept on-site for disposal.
This spill generated two waste drums; they were sealed, properly labeled, and kept on-site for disposal.
The HazChem professionals finished the documents, took photographs of the final conditions, and remediation was approved.
Our Emergency Response Team is on call 24/7/365 and prepared to mobilize at a moment’s notice, no matter the time or day. From hazardous to non-hazardous substances, we know how to handle spills safely and efficiently. For immediate assistance, contact our emergency hotline at 630-458-1910. We’re always open and ready to respond quickly.
Learn more about HazChem Emergency Response Services. Call 630-458-1910 for any Chemical Spill needs.
Non-Hazardous Liquid Spills Can Be Cleaned Up Efficiently with Prompt Remediation by Our Trained Technicians.
Emergency spills can pose significant threats to both public health and the environment. A fast, professional response is critical to contain the incident, reduce impact, and prevent the spread of contamination to soil, water, or air. At HazChem Environmental, our HAZMAT cleaning team is highly trained in emergency spill response and equipped to handle both hazardous and non-hazardous chemical leaks, or fuel spills, including those occurring at loading docks for damaged freight in transit, or a forklift accident.
With over 30 years of experience in waste management, HazChem is a trusted partner for safe, compliant, and dependable service. We’ll help you stay in line with all regulatory requirements while protecting your facility from added risk and liability.
Learn more about HazChem Emergency Rapid Response, & Chemical Spill Response Services.
SUPER-FAST 60-Minute Response Time for any Liquid or Chemical Spill Cleanup
We recognize that when you call, it’s because time is of the essence. That’s why our Emergency Rapid Response Teams are fully prepared to act immediately and resolve your spill situation efficiently. Our response vehicles are pre-stocked with 90% of the tools and equipment required to manage nearly any emergency. The remaining items are quickly tailored to meet the specific needs of your situation.
Thanks to this level of readiness, we can dispatch a certified HazMat Emergency Team within 60 minutes or less of your call. At HazChem Environmental, you’ll never be routed through an automated phone system — a real person will always answer, no matter the day or time, including weekends and holidays. Just call (630) 458-1910, and we’ll be ready to respond.
Compliant. Responsive. Safe.
Call 630-458-1910 for immediate assistance. Open 24/7/365
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