MTU Chemistry
Chemical Disposal Procedures
The simplified guide to disposal of chemical reagents.
This is a guide to how to dispose of chemical reagents as either single compounds or mixed waste. The approaches are different. Please read the following carefully.
Once you designate a reagent for disposal, it will be treated as such. It will NOT be available in storage somewhere for future access by anyone.
The assumption here is that you have either a known reagent, an unknown material, or a mixed waste for which you have an inventory as it was collected. Each is treated differently.
“Hazardous Waste” vs. “Excess Inventory”.
The term “hazardous waste” has a specific regulatory meaning.
· It can’t accumulate in your lab for more than 6 months.
· It can’t be stored anywhere other than your lab OR the single authorized collection point at MTU. In other words, we cannot store anything labeled “hazardous waste” in Chem Stores or Used Chemical Storage.
“Excess inventory” refers to all those reagents that you have sitting on the shelf that you will use “someday”. There are no specific regulations that apply to “excess inventory” items. When you decide you want to get rid of them, do not call them “hazardous waste”, as that puts them into a whole different disposal category. We can accumulate “excess inventory” with the intent of getting rid of it during a waste haul. We cannot accumulate “hazardous waste”.
External useful links
The Compleat (sic) Guide to EPA Waste Identification Numbers (261.30 CFR) - The original souce of all the F-, K-, P- and U-number lists.
Hazardous Chemical Waste Management Guide (U. of MN) - An excellent source of how and why.
Disclaimer
I have made every effort to be consistent with the requirements of MTU Occupational Safety and Health Services. Any deviations or errors will be corrected upon notification.
- D. Chesney, June, 2008