Stabilization Techniques

Proven Chemical Stabilization Techniques

Clean Harbors understands the disadvantages of controlled detonation and has developed sound and proven chemical stabilization techniques utilizing documented, chemistry-based procedures, which enable us to manage the following types of potentially unstable material.

• Peroxide forming compounds
• Temperature sensitive compounds
• Organic peroxides
• Shock sensitive compounds
• Multi-nitrated compounds
• Azides

Materials not contained in this list are handled on a case-by-case basis.  Stabilization techniques are researched using numerous chemical databases and references as well as consultations with reactive chemical consultants and Ph.D. chemists.  Read more about the types of chemicals managed »

Disadvantages of Controlled Detonation

Many civilian bomb squads and military Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) units formerly accepted potentially unstable or shock sensitive material for disposal through controlled detonation.  Detonation was the disposal method of choice until the mid-1980s, when it was discovered that the target material was not destroyed by open air detonation but simply dispersed by the explosion of the disposal charge. (EPA/625/R-93/013) Although some open air detonations are still used today, this management practice has the following major disadvantages.

• Finding an area  to accommodate open air detonations (> 1,250 foot radius)
• High probability of unstable material being moved over public roadways
• Weather conditions not conducive to open air detonation operations
• Potential for dispersing toxic or acutely toxic material into the environment
• Need to search detonation area for pieces of unexploded material
• Hazards of sympathetic detonations with any surrounding unstable materials
• Costs associated with open air detonations being absorbed by the taxpayer