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
- Access the EH&S/Chemical Waste Management form system.
- Select the type of waste you have to be picked up (mixed chemical waste, pure chemical waste, photo waste, etc.)
- Fill out each form completely.
- Include information listed on the container log (constituents, amounts and concentrations of solutions).
- Do not use abbreviations or chemical formulas.
- Use "Additional Information" section if necessary to more fully describe the waste.
- Submit the request and print a completed form for your records.
- Attach a copy of the completed form to the waste container.