subject: How To Dispose Of Airbags Safely [print this page] If you're in the auto repair or dismantling business and haven't been paying too much attention to how you handle and dispose of airbag components, then now is a good time to start because changes are on the way. The problem is that the technology simply got ahead of regulatory agencies but take note that they are all catching up quickly.
The problem is that airbags are both an explosive device and hazardous waste all wrapped up into one package. It's the chemical thats inside of the airbags that's the problem. It's a known carcinogen that also explodes when activated and the problem is only going to get worse as airbags become mandatory and find their way into more areas of a vehicle.
Most of the confusion surrounding the handling and disposal of used Airbags is in the US where that EPA has decided to completely sidestep the issue all together and let states and local governments handle the regulation of these devices. The result is that there is no one set standard nationwide, so rules can and do vary from state to state. Also in some areas, local municipalities are weighing in with their own regulations.
Most all states do agree however, that an airbag once deployed is no longer hazardous waste. This is because once it's set off, the chemical contained in it is neutralized and of course at the same time it is also rendered non explosive. This in turn has led many businesses to simply activate their airbags on site, thus rendering them acceptable by local landfills.
While on the surface this does sound like a perfectly sensible solution, in all actuality it's not as simple as it seems. This is because how and where airbags can be activated at a business is also beginning to fall under regulation. Even OSHA is beginning to play catch up on how workers should be safely setting off these explosive devices. Remember that they are a powerful explosive device.
Should they be required to undergo some type of training and if so what should that training be. Then there are the onsite storage issues that have to be taken into account. Right now you are free to store them how and where you please but you can bet that is going to change. If you have a safe and secure location, just how safe and secure is it and what about worker safety and your own liability?
So it's no small surprise that out of all this cloud of confusion and post regulatory anxiety has emerged a solution in the form of airbag disposal services that simply come and pick them up at your business and take the whole mess off your hands. Not only does it take away the problem of the airbags themselves but also the hassle of monitoring state and local regulations to remain compliant.
You see, through it all the Department of Transportation does consider un-deployed airbags to be hazardous material, which means that they have to be handled just the same as any other hazardous waste. Needless to say, with the spector of a hefty fine from the DOT to contend with, it just makes even more sense to let a professional service handle the whole mess.
