Bitumen

Informations

Bitumen is a black, viscous or solid material that is recovered as a residue from the distillation of crude oil. It consists mainly of hydrocarbons and is mainly used in road construction as a binder for asphalt. Bitumen is also used in the construction industry, for example for roof waterproofing and as a sealant against moisture.

Bitumen is relatively environmentally neutral when used normally, as it is not water-soluble and hardly gets into the environment. However, processing, especially heating, can release volatile organic compounds that contribute to air pollution and can be harmful to health. Improper disposal of bitumen can contaminate the soil and groundwater because it is difficult to degrade and potentially contains pollutants.

Instructions for the disposal

The disposal of bitumen requires special care to avoid environmental damage. Waste containing bitumen should be collected separately from other waste and handed over to certified waste management companies. In particular, they must not be mixed with tar-containing materials, as these can contain toxic substances such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).