QAL Laws & Regulation Practice Exam

Contaminated materials must be transported to a Class 1 landfill because this type of landfill is specifically designed to handle hazardous and contaminated waste. These facilities have the necessary infrastructure and operational protocols to safely manage materials that could pose environmental or health risks if not disposed of properly. Class 1 landfills are equipped with advanced containment systems, including liners and leachate collection systems, to prevent the release of contaminants into the surrounding soil and groundwater.

In contrast, Class 2 and Class 3 landfills typically accept less hazardous materials and municipal waste, which are not suited for the disposal of highly contaminated substances. A municipal waste facility primarily handles general household waste and does not have the protections or regulations in place to manage hazardous materials safely. Therefore, transporting contaminated materials to a Class 1 landfill ensures compliance with regulations and protects public health and the environment.