Structural Pest Control Applicator Practice Exam

Can you incinerate or bury surplus pesticides that contain heavy metals such as mercury or lead?

1. You can incinerate but not bury them

2. You can bury but not incinerate them

3. You can either bury or incinerate them

4. You can neither bury nor incinerate them

The correct answer is: You can neither bury nor incinerate them

Surplus pesticides that contain heavy metals, such as mercury or lead, are classified as hazardous waste due to the potential environmental and health risks they pose. Incinerating these materials can release toxic heavy metals into the air, which is harmful not only to the environment but also to human health. Burying them is equally problematic, as heavy metals can leach into the soil and contaminate groundwater, posing risks to ecosystems and drinking water supplies. Regulations typically mandate that such hazardous wastes be disposed of in a manner that ensures safety and compliance with environmental standards. This often requires specialized treatment and disposal methods in licensed hazardous waste facilities. Therefore, the answer identifies the proper management of these materials by stating that neither incineration nor burial is appropriate in this context.