Managing Hazardous Chemical Waste
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 Wastes that meet any of the following characteristics. managed? Ignitable Flashpoint of 140 F Corrosive ph 2 or 12.5 Toxic LD-50 < 5000 mg/kg Reactive Reacts with anything
Is this Hazardous Waste? California has a much broader definitions of hazardous waste and waste determination can be time consuming and costly. If you run into the question, Is this hazardous waste?, call EH&S and we will help you make this determination! (x46778) REMEMBER: Because you can throw it the trash or pour it down the sink at home, does not mean you can do it in the lab.
Hazardous waste must not be disposed of on site. This includes Storm or Sewer Drains The Trash Can
Hazardous waste must not be disposed of on site. Especially Through Waste Treatment!!
Waste Container Removal Call EH&S Department at x46778 or x46098. Never allow more than the maximum amounts to be accumulated. Satellite containers will be removed within seven working days.
Satellite Accumulation These are areas on Campus that generate small quantities of Hazardous Waste. This would include laboratories. 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 This open waste containers needs a cap Poor waste labeling here as well Good Secondary Containment Waste containers must be kept closed/capped unless waste is being added or removed!
Hazardous Waste Storage Containers must have closable/sealable lids or covers. Containers must be in good condition: no holes, creases, cracks, rust. They must be compatible to the waste stored in it. Container open with no label
Hazardous Waste Storage No Food or Beverage Containers are ever to be used!
Weekly Inspection At least weekly, the Responsible Party must inspect areas used for hazardous materials storage. You must look for leaking containers, for deterioration of containers and for deterioration of the containment system. Any issues found must be corrected immediately.
Weekly Inspection A written record of this weekly inspection should be posted in the laboratory or work area. You can make your own sheet or contact your EH&S inspector for one.
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 -Component label smeared -No percent volume -No hazards checked
Waste Labeling In other words, fill out the entire hazardous waste label!!
Empty Containers > 5 gallons in size which previously held hazardous materials must be managed. < 5 gallons don t need to be managed as hazardous waste. Empty containers that previously held Highly toxic materials must be handled as hazardous waste, ie. Sodium azide.
California Empty Collect: Collect in a safe location Invert to dry: Invert bottle over paper towels and shake to dry. (Do not air dry in fume hoods or by leaving the lid off) Deface: Thoroughly deface the chemical label and mark as empty Dispose: To dispose of the bottle call EH&S
Waste Minimization Key methods for waste minimization Reduce Purchase only what you need Set up experiments so that less solvent or chemicals are needed Reuse Reuse empty containers to collect waste Reuse a solvents if purity is not an issue Recycle Some waste oils can be recycled Some metal cables and tubing 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 of 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 (911). Do not call Off-campus emergency services. This can lead to longer response time!!
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: 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)
Frequently Asked Questions Q: Do I need exact percentages 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.
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