Knowing how to dispose of concrete slurry correctly is a vital matter. If untreated, it can result in environmental damage and harm to public health. Proper disposal procedures will reduce the potential for surface and groundwater pollution from the released chemicals and abrasives that are associated with concrete slurry. 
This post will cover how to dispose of concrete slurry properly, what laws and regulations apply, and what are the options for concrete slurry disposal. But before then, let’s look at how concrete slurry differs from concrete and asphalt? 

How is concrete slurry different from concrete and asphalt? 

Concrete is a construction material that is composed of cement, aggregate (gravel, sand, or rocks), and water. As the concrete dries, it hardens and becomes strong. You can easily dispose of concrete at recycling centers or contact a trash removal company and rent a concrete dumpster from local companies like the one found here: https://frontierwaste.com/roll-off-dumpster-rentals/ 
On the other hand, a slurry is the waste material that is produced when concrete is mixed. It is a watery mixture of cement, sand, aggregate, and water. The slurry is waste material and must be disposed of properly to avoid environmental contamination. 
The main difference between concrete and slurry is that while concrete is a construction material, a slurry is a waste material. When the concrete slurry is not disposed of properly, the slurry causes environmental pollution to air, water, and land. 

Laws and Regulations Governing the Disposal of Concrete Slurry 

The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) regulates the disposal of concrete slurry under the Clean Water Act (CWA) and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). 
Without a permit, the CWA restricts the discharge of contaminants into navigable waters. The RCRA regulates the disposal of solid and hazardous waste. 
The concrete slurry that is mixed with water is considered a liquid waste and is regulated under the CWA. On the other hand, if the slurry is mixed with hazardous materials, it is regulated under the RCRA. 
The CWA requires that all liquid wastes must be treated before they are discharged into navigable waters. The CWA also requires that all solid wastes must be disposed of in a landfill that is lined with a liner to prevent pollution. 
The RCRA requires that all hazardous wastes must be disposed of in a landfill that is lined with a liner to prevent pollution. 
The main difference between the CWA and the RCRA is that while the CWA regulates the discharge of pollutants into navigable waters, the RCRA regulates the disposal of solid and hazardous waste. 

Options for Disposing Concrete Slurry 

There are three main options for disposing of concrete slurry: 

•  Discharge into a sanitary sewer 
•  Treatment and discharge into navigable waters 
•  Drying out slurry in pits or bins 

1. Discharge into a sanitary sewer

Sanitary sewers are designed to transport wastewater from homes and businesses to treatment facilities. This method presents risks beyond common plumbing problems since the concern is about the environmental damage it poses. The concrete slurry can be discharged into a sanitary sewer if it meets the following criteria:

•  The concrete slurry must be mixed with water. 
•  The ratio of solids to water must be less than 0.5%. 
•  The concrete slurry must be free of hazardous materials. 

Before discharging concrete slurry into a sanitary sewer, it is important to check with the local laws to ensure that they will accept the waste. When in doubt, it is always best to err on the side of caution and consult with a professional. 
The process of discharging concrete slurry into a sanitary sewer is as follows: 

1. The concrete slurry is mixed with water to create a slurry that has a solid to water ratio of less than 0.5%.

2. The slurry is pumped into the sanitary sewer.

3. The treatment plant will remove the solids from the slurry and discharge the treated water into navigable waters.

The main advantage of this method is that it is the cheapest option for disposing of the concrete slurry while the disadvantage is that it can cause environmental pollution if the concrete slurry is not treated properly. 

2. Treatment and discharge into navigable waters

This method involves treating the concrete slurry to remove the pollutants before discharging them into navigable waters. The treatment process will vary depending on the type of pollutants present in the slurry.  
A filter press can help with this, although the pricey machinery might not be practical for everyone. Instead, a slurry separator can also be used. This will help to remove the larger solids from the slurry. The end products are clean water and solid waste that can be disposed of in a landfill. 
Before disposing of the water, check the pH levels to make sure that it is within the range of 6.5 to 8.5. The water should also be tested for turbidity, suspended solids, and total dissolved solids. If the water meets these criteria, it can be discharged into navigable waters. 
The main advantage of this method is that it protects the environment from pollution. The disadvantage is that it is more expensive than the other methods and it requires specialized equipment. 

3. Drying out slurry in pits or bins

While this method can long time to dry out, it is effective. You can use pits or bins to dry out the slurry and then dispose of it in the same way as any other solid waste. A company who needs to get off the work site like a roofing contractor, may not have the luxury of waiting for slurry to dry in pits or bins, so they result in using a slurry solidifier. Using separators and solidifiers will speed up the drying process and make it more manageable. 
The advantage of this method is that it does not require any specialized equipment. The disadvantage is that it can take a long time for the slurry to dry out completely. 

Choosing the Best Method for You 

The best method for disposing of concrete slurry will depend on your specific needs and circumstances. You must ensure that you comply with the laws and regulations in your area. If you are not sure which method is best for you, it is always best to consult with a professional.  
With the right method, you can safely and effectively dispose of concrete slurry. The key is to find the method that works best for you and your situation so that you can keep your project on track while protecting the environment.