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Waste Disposal Procedures

Safe handling, segregation, and disposal of chemical and nanomaterial waste

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IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE

Improper waste disposal can result in:

  • Environmental contamination and regulatory violations
  • Dangerous chemical reactions in waste containers
  • Injury to personnel and waste handlers
  • Institutional fines and legal liability

Always consult your institution's Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) office before disposing of any chemical or nanomaterial waste.

General Waste Management Principles

Waste Minimization
  • Scale experiments to minimize waste generation
  • Order only needed quantities
  • Reuse materials when safe and appropriate
  • Consider green chemistry alternatives
Proper Segregation
  • Never mix incompatible wastes
  • Separate by hazard class (flammable, corrosive, toxic, etc.)
  • Keep nanomaterial waste separate from bulk chemicals
  • Use designated waste containers only
Complete Labeling
  • List all chemical components with percentages
  • Include hazard information
  • Date when waste generation started
  • Your name and contact information
Safe Storage
  • Use compatible containers (HDPE for acids, etc.)
  • Do not fill containers more than 75% full
  • Keep containers closed except when adding waste
  • Store in designated waste accumulation area

Waste Categories & Disposal Methods

Halogenated Organic Solvents

Examples: Chloroform, dichloromethane, carbon tetrachloride

Container: Compatible chemical waste bottle with "Halogenated Organic Waste" label

NEVER mix with: Non-halogenated solvents, acids, bases, oxidizers

Disposal: Incineration at licensed hazardous waste facility

Non-Halogenated Organic Solvents

Examples: Acetone, ethanol, hexane, toluene, THF

Container: Chemical waste bottle with "Non-Halogenated Organic Waste" label

NEVER mix with: Halogenated solvents, strong oxidizers, water-reactive chemicals

Disposal: Fuel blending or solvent recovery

Aqueous Acid Waste

Examples: Dilute HCl, H₂SO₄, HNO₃, acetic acid

Container: HDPE bottle with "Aqueous Acid Waste" label

NEVER mix with: Bases, oxidizers, cyanides, sulfides, reactive metals

Special Considerations:

  • Chromic acid waste must be segregated (carcinogen)
  • Hydrofluoric acid requires special handling
  • pH should be < 4 for acid waste stream
Aqueous Base Waste

Examples: Dilute NaOH, KOH, NH₄OH, sodium carbonate

Container: HDPE bottle with "Aqueous Base Waste" label

NEVER mix with: Acids, aluminum, zinc, or other reactive metals

pH should be > 10 for base waste stream

Heavy Metal Waste

Examples: Mercury, lead, cadmium, chromium, silver compounds

Container: Separate containers for EACH metal type

Special Requirements:

  • Do NOT mix different heavy metals
  • Mercury requires special sealed containers
  • Solid metal waste separate from solutions
  • Label with specific metal name and concentration

Regulatory Note: Heavy metals are RCRA-regulated hazardous waste

Nanomaterial Waste

Includes: Nanoparticles, nanotubes, quantum dots, synthesis residues

Container: Rigid, sealable container labeled "Nanomaterial Waste"

Special Handling:

  • Minimize aerosolization - wet methods preferred
  • Keep powders wetted or sealed
  • Use dedicated waste containers
  • Double-bag solid nanomaterial waste
  • Decontaminate surfaces with wet wiping
  • Document nanomaterial type, size, and concentration

Note: Many institutions require separate disposal procedures for nanomaterials due to unknown environmental impacts

Contaminated Materials

Examples: Gloves, wipes, pipette tips, empty bottles

Disposal:

  • Trace contamination: Double-bag in clear bags, label with "Trace Chemical Contamination"
  • Significant contamination: Treat as chemical waste matching contaminant
  • Sharps: Rigid sharps container, autoclave if biohazardous
  • Broken glass: Rigid cardboard box labeled "Broken Glass"

Dangerous Waste Combinations - NEVER MIX

Chemical/Waste Type Incompatible With Potential Hazard
Acids Bases, cyanides, sulfides Heat generation, toxic gas release (HCN, H₂S)
Oxidizers (H₂O₂, nitrates) Organic solvents, reducing agents Fire, explosion
Water-reactive chemicals (Na, K) Aqueous waste, moisture Violent reaction, fire, hydrogen gas
Peroxide-forming solvents (ether, THF) Concentrated acids, heat Explosion
Halogenated solvents Non-halogenated solvents Incompatible disposal streams

Waste Pickup Procedure

  1. Complete Labeling: Ensure all information is accurate and legible
    • Chemical name(s) - no abbreviations or formulas only
    • Approximate percentages of each component
    • Accumulation start date
    • Your name, lab, and contact information
    • Hazard class (flammable, corrosive, toxic, etc.)
  2. Secure Container: Tighten cap, check for leaks, place in secondary containment if needed
  3. Request Pickup: Contact EHS through institutional system
    • Online waste pickup request form
    • Email to EHS office
    • Waste management phone line
  4. Store Safely: Keep in designated satellite accumulation area until pickup
    • Maximum 90 days for large quantity generators
    • Maximum 180-270 days for small quantity generators
    • Some institutions require more frequent pickup
  5. Waste Documentation: Maintain records as required
    • Laboratory waste log
    • Waste pickup confirmation
    • Annual waste generation reports
Timeline: Under EPA regulations, hazardous waste must be removed within specific timeframes. Contact EHS for pickup BEFORE containers are completely full to allow processing time.