Transcript Managing Chemical Waste in the Laboratory

Hazardous Waste
Management
What is Hazardous Waste
EPA Definition:
A material is a hazardous waste if due to its
quantity, concentration, physical, chemical
or infectious characteristics it possesses a
substantial present, or potential hazard to
human health and the environment and
has no known use.
What chemical waste must be
managed?
Wastes that meet any of the
following characteristics.

Ignitable – Flashpoint of ≤ 140°F

Corrosive – pH ≤2 or ≥ 12.5

Toxic – LD-50 < 5000 mg/kg

Reactive – Reacts with anything
Common Wastes

Solvents
– Paint thinner
Paint
 Drain Cleaners
 Caustic Detergents
 Used Oil
 Expired Pesticides
 Degreasers

Hazardous waste must not be
disposed of on site.
This includes Storm
or Sewer Drains
…The Dumpster
Satellite Accumulation

These are areas within the studio that generate
small quantities of Hazardous Waste.
Definition: An Area that within 9 months
accumulates
No more than 55 gallons of any
hazardous waste stream.

No more than 1 quart of any acutely or
extremely hazardous waste stream.
Hazardous Waste Storage
A funnel is not a cap
Good Secondary Containment
Waste containers must be keep
closed/capped unless waste is being
added or removed!
Poor management of paint waste.
Hazardous Waste Storage
Containers with
closable/sealable lids
or covers.
 Containers must be
in good condition: no
holes, creases,
cracks, rust.
 Compatible to the
waste stored in it.

Container open with no label
Hazardous Waste Storage

NO Food or Beverage Containers.
Waste Labeling
Label must have the words:
- “Hazardous Waste”
- The name and address of
the generator (SDSU)
- The waste composition
and physical state
- Percent volume
- Type of Hazard, ie.
Flammable, Corrosive,
Toxic
- The accumulation start
date (Month, Day, Year)
Incomplete waste label
-No Start Date
-No percent volume
-No hazards checked
Waste Labeling
Needs improvement!!
In other words, fill out the entire hazardous
waste label!!
“Empty” Containers

> 5 gallons in size which previously held
hazardous materials must be managed
as Hazardous Waste.

< 5 gallons don’t need to be managed

Empty containers of any size that
previously held Highly toxic materials
must be handled as hazardous waste.
“Sodium azide”
“California Empty”

Collect:
– Collect in a safe location away from foot traffic

Invert to dry:
– Invert bottle over paper towels and shake to dry. (Do
not air dry in fume hoods)

Deface:
– Thoroughly deface the chemical label.

Dispose:
– To dispose of the bottle call EH&S.
Waste Container removal
Call EH&S Department
 x46778 or x46098
 Never allow more than the maximum
amounts to be accumulated.
 Satellite containers will be removed within
7 working days.

Waste Minimization
Key methods for waste minimization
 Reduce
– Purchase only what you need

Reuse
– Reuse empty containers to collect
waste
– Subscribe to a rag reuse service

Recycle
– Some waste oils and paints can be
recycled
– Remember that Paper, Metals and
some Plastics can be recycled
Chemical Spills
Have a Spill Kit Ready
Set-up kit for your
specific needs
 Take inventory of the
kit frequently
 Quickly replace used
or missing items

Spill Response
For Small Spills:
 Spills one gallon or less, clean the spill using the
material in your spill kit.
 Don your proper protective equipment (PPE).
 Place contaminated material into your spill bag,
seal, and attach a hazardous waste label.
 Request a waste pick up of the material from
EH&S.
Rats
Spill Response
For Larger Spills:
 Contain the spill if possible, notify others
in the area, and evacuate the area.
 Notify your safety officer or EH&S and the
supervisor of the area.
 If after business hours, notify Public
Safety (x1991).
Finally, If All Else Fails…
Consult the Hazardous Materials and
Hazardous Waste Management Practices
Booklet provided by EH&S.
Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know if my waste product is
actually hazardous?

A: Other than going though a long and costly
waste determination process, give the material
to EH&S and let them make that determination.
Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need the exact percentage on the
hazardous waste label?

A: No, they can be done in percent ranges like
10-30%. If there are too many components and
there is not enough room to list them, then list
the three major components or any acute
hazardous waste, no matter the amount.
Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know if a chemical is acutely
hazardous waste?

A: Acutely hazardous waste is given something
called a P-code by the EPA and can be found at
the following link:
– http://www.epa.gov/osw/hazwaste.htm and click on
The P-list and the U-list.
– Or go to 40 CFR 261.33(e)
The End