06 02 Waste from the production, preparation, supply and use of alkalis

Chemical synthesis processes, soap making, paper production, metal degreasing, and other technological operations are accompanied by the generation of highly reactive alkaline residues classified under code 06 02 Waste from the production, preparation, supply and use of alkalis.

This category includes spent alkaline solutions (caustic soda, caustic potash, ammonia water, etc.), alkaline wash water, and residues from their treatment, concentration, or use in industry. As these substances have pronounced corrosive properties, a high pH value, and the ability to break down organic compounds, they pose a serious environmental hazard.

Environmentally sound management of such waste requires strict compliance with industrial safety regulations, as alkalis can cause deep chemical burns to the skin, damage construction materials, and immediately disrupt the acid-base balance of aquatic ecosystems or soils in the event of an uncontrolled spill.

They are strictly prohibited from being discharged into conventional sewage systems, onto open soil, or disposed of at landfills. Enterprises are required to arrange hermetically sealed temporary storage in specialized alkali-resistant containers (sealed steel or specialized polymer containers) and to transfer these hazardous liquid masses exclusively to licensed operators.

The most rational approach to managing this waste is regeneration or controlled chemical neutralization.

Spent alkaline solutions with an acceptable degree of purity may undergo filtration, evaporation, or composition adjustment for recovery and reuse in the production cycle, while solutions unsuitable for regeneration are subject to safe neutralization using acidic reagents or acidic waste to form neutral salts, or are rendered harmless at specialized facilities.