ÁùºÏ±¦µä

Chemical waste procedures

Segregate waste by hazard classes

Avoid mixing hazard classes whenever possible.

  • Solids vs. liquids (DO NOT commingle solids and liquids in a common waste container)
  • Halogenated solvents (flammable)
  • Non-halogenated solvents (flammable)
  • Organic acids (corrosive)
  • Inorganic acids (corrosive)
  • Bases (corrosive)
  • Lab trash (pipettes, wipes, contaminated labware, etc.)
  • Solids (filtrates, mixtures, or other materials with chemical contamination)
  • Unwanted, aged, or off-spec chemicals in pure form (not mixed with other material)
  • Materials containing heavy metals
  • Cyanides and sulfides
  • Reactives (explosive or peroxide forming compounds, etc.)
  • Non-hazardous waste (paint, oil, aerosols, photo waste, sharps, etc.)

Accumulate waste in appropriate containers

  • Use a separate container for each hazard class..
  • Containers should be compatible with the waste being stored in them.
  • Lids/caps must be tightly closed when not being filled.
  • Provide secondary containment whenever possible.
  • Never accumulate more than 55 total gallons of waste.
  • 1, 3 & 5 gallon poly containers are provided by EH&S.
  • AVOID placing paper, stir bars, and other solid debris liquid waste containers.
  • Maintain a log of all constituents (name, quantity, concentration) placed in the waste container.

Label ALL waste containers

  • Use the words "CHEMICAL WASTE" or the specific hazard class with the word, "WASTE" (examples: Inorganic Acid Waste, Halogenated Solvent Waste, etc.)
  • Use a container log to list constituents, amounts (including water) and concentrations of all solutions and keep it with the container.
  • Number EACH container with a unique number of your choosing.

How to submit a request for removal

  2. Select the type of waste you have to be picked up (mixed chemical waste, pure chemical waste, photo waste, etc.)
  3. Fill out each form completely.
  4. Include information listed on the container log (constituents, amounts and concentrations of solutions).
  5. Do not use abbreviations or chemical formulas.
  6. Use "Additional Information" section if necessary to more fully describe the waste.
  7. Submit the request and print a completed form for your records.
  8. Attach a copy of the completed form to the waste container.