Chemical Waste

Definition

Solid, liquid, and gaseous hazardous chemicals and wastes contaminated with hazardous chemicals.

Examples:

  • Chemical reagents no longer needed (see Recyclable, also).
  • Chemicals with shelf-life expired.
  • Waste oils
  • Waste solvents
  • Hazardous chemical spill cleanups
  • Materials with hazardous chemical contamination.
  • Unknown chemicals
  • Oil-based paints and related substances.
  • Pesticides
  • PCB items (transformers, capacitors, ballasts manufactured before 1978.
  • Batteries
  • Compressed gases

Packaging Guidelines
If Discarding: Then:
Hazardous chemical in original container
  1. Confirm identity
  2. If still useful, see "RECYCLABLE MATERIALS"; if not, complete The EH&S Office Hazardous Waste label (see samples). You must be specific regarding contents. Check-off the appropriate hazards. Complete all pertinent information. Attach label to container.
Liquid hazardous waste
  1. Use empty, clean container with tight fitting cap. Avoid mixing corrosives or reactive materials with solvents. If this can't be avoided, neutralize or destroy the reactive component.
  2. Fill-out The EH&S Office Hazardous Waste label (see samples). Use instructions under "Hazardous chemical in original container"
  3. If inorganic acid or base (2 > pH > 12) and no other hazardous constituents, you may neutralize to (4 < pH < 10), and dispose down the drain.
  4. Use empty, clean, compatible container, with screw cap, **NOTE: for hydrofluoric acid, a plastic (not polycarbonate) container is required.
  5. Fill out The EH&S Office Hazardous Waste label (see samples). Use instructions under "Hazardous chemical in original container".
Solid hazardous waste (including materials contaminated with hazardous materials)
  1. Preferably use plastic container with screw cap. Glass OK. Double-plastic bag if volume too large for jar.
  2. Fill out The EH&S Office "Hazardous Waste" (see samples). Use instructions under "Hazardous chemical in original container".
Unknown chemicals
  1. Find out as much as possible about the unknown from former lab occupants or principal investigator.
  2. Ensure that unknown is in secure screw-cap container.
  3. Complete The EH&S Office Hazardous Waste Label (see sample), stating "Unknown ID but likely if anything is known.
Gaseous hazardous waste
  1. Confirm that gas remains in cylinder, if possible.
  2. Remove all valves, gauges, etc. Cap snugly.
  3. If lecture bottle, call The EH&S Office. For all others, contact supplier for removal.

Disposal Information
For: Then:
Pick up at your laboratory or site (weekly).
  1. Complete all "Hazardous Waste" labels, insuring that all information has been filled in. Use instructions under "Hazardous chemical in original container"
  2. Call 956-872-2107
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