They should be processed separately from general plastic waste.
Explanation
The disposal of containers used for storing hazardous chemicals falls under the ambit of hazardous waste management rather than general solid waste management. Proper segregation is the fundamental principle to prevent cross-contamination and environmental hazards.
Option-wise Analysis
- They should be washed and reused for domestic purposes. is Incorrect: Plastic containers used for toxic chemicals retain chemical residues even after washing. Reusing them for domestic purposes poses severe health risks due to the potential leaching of toxins into water or food.
- They should be processed separately from general plastic waste. is Correct: Containers contaminated with hazardous chemicals are classified as hazardous waste under waste management rules (e.g., Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules). They must be segregated from general plastic waste to prevent the contamination of the recycling stream. They require specialized treatment, such as decontamination, disposal in secure landfills, or incineration in controlled hazardous waste incinerators.
- They should be incinerated in open air. is Incorrect: Open-air incineration of plastics is prohibited as it releases carcinogenic compounds such as dioxins and furans, along with particulate matter, causing severe air pollution.
- They should be composted. is Incorrect: Plastic is a synthetic polymer and is non-biodegradable. Therefore, it cannot be composted.
Key Takeaway: Plastic waste contaminated with hazardous substances must be treated as hazardous waste, not general plastic waste, and requires strict segregation and specialized disposal methods to prevent environmental and health risks.