What is the disposal requirement for military munitions deemed hazardous waste?

The requirement for the disposal of military munitions classified as hazardous waste is that they must be treated, stored, or disposed of in facilities that are specifically approved to handle hazardous waste. This is because military munitions often contain components that can pose significant risks to human health and the environment if not managed properly. Approved facilities are equipped to handle such materials safely, which includes proper treatment to reduce their hazardous nature, appropriate storage methods to prevent accidents, and compliant disposal practices to ensure that these materials do not contaminate land or water sources.

In contrast, disposing of these munitions in regular landfills is not an option, as such sites are not designed to handle hazardous materials. Burning munitions off-base can lead to uncontrolled releases of toxic substances, and indefinite storage without proper management poses environmental risks and legal repercussions. Thus, the requirement for using approved facilities ensures public safety and environmental protection.