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Accumulation of unwanted chemicals
Laboratory Waste Minimization
Accumulation of unwanted chemicals
P
revention of waste generation is the first priority of persons interested in waste minimization. For those waste materials that are generated in spite of our best efforts, the selection of waste accumulation containers can have a surprisingly large impact on waste minimization. We’ll examine some considerations in this column. Before taking our advice, seek out guidance that may be available from your institution’s hazardous waste management program. Often there are local or state regulations that may be applicable, or specific containers are recommended to maximize efficiency and minimize handling costs. After following internal guidance, the next consideration is that containers should be sturdy and suitable for the chemicals being accumulated. Milk bottles, pop bottles, cottage cheese containers, and the like are not suitable because they may be difficult to seal tightly and may not maintain their integrity; not to mention that it’s a bad idea to put chemicals into food containers. Poly containers are generally preferred to glass since they are less susceptible to breakage. However, some chemicals attack plastic, so exercise caution in all cases. Containers should be of a size appropriate for the volume and rate of waste generated. Containers that are too small, decrease handling efficiency and tend to discourage any management method other than straight disposal. On the other hand, if containers are too large, laboratory workers are more likely to mix in a variety of wastes, which makes recycling or recovery more difficult. Also, oversized containers tend to sit around in the laboratory too long, to the detriment of safety and recycling options. When accumulating wastes, carefully evaluate whether similar or compatible wastes may be commingled. The first concern should be the safety issue of whether a hazardous reaction could occur from mixing incompatible chemicals. Another concern is whether commingling might preclude recycling/recovery options. On the other hand, commingling, if used appropriately, can enhance both good housekeeping and
1074-9098/$30.00 doi:10.1016/j.chs.2003.11.008
the efficiency of waste management. Because of these often conflicting issues, we recommend that you consult with your institution’s hazardous waste management staff prior to commingling wastes in your laboratory. If waste accumulation containers are to be reused, be sure that they are either rinsed with an appropriate solvent several times between uses or that each container is used only for similar, or preferably, identical wastes. There is no sense having a spill or unexpected hazardous reaction because one is trying to save a relatively small amount on the cost of containers. When reusing accumulation containers, be sure to deface all old markings and clearly label the contents when the container is returned to use. Like all chemicals, waste accumulation containers should be segregated by hazard class and stored away from potential hazards. When considering potential hazards, be sure to include the possibility of someone or something inadvertently knocking the container over. Keep containers tightly closed except when wastes are actively being added. Wastes should be disposed in a timely manner. Since many chemicals tend to degrade over time, the sooner unwanted materials are removed from the laboratory, the less likely they are to degrade, which allows for more recycling options. A good example is excess chemicals. Once you realize that you have excess chemicals, give them to your institution’s recycling program so someone else can use them rather than let them sit in your laboratory unused until they degrade to an unusable state. In summary, spending some time to consider how waste chemicals will be accumulated, using appropriate containers, storing accumulation containers safely and accurately labeling containers will have the positive benefits of enhancing safety, preventing spills, keeping recycling/recovery options open and minimizing waste management costs. Waste Minimization Recommendation #82: Prevent spills by selecting appropriate containers and keeping them sealed except when adding to them.
ß Division of Chemical Health and Safety of the American Chemical Society Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
37
Accumulation of unwanted chemicals
P
revention of waste generation is the first priority of persons interested in waste minimization. For those waste materials that are generated in spite of our best efforts, the selection of waste accumulation containers can have a surprisingly large impact on waste minimization. We’ll examine some considerations in this column. Before taking our advice, seek out guidance that may be available from your institution’s hazardous waste management program. Often there are local or state regulations that may be applicable, or specific containers are recommended to maximize efficiency and minimize handling costs. After following internal guidance, the next consideration is that containers should be sturdy and suitable for the chemicals being accumulated. Milk bottles, pop bottles, cottage cheese containers, and the like are not suitable because they may be difficult to seal tightly and may not maintain their integrity; not to mention that it’s a bad idea to put chemicals into food containers. Poly containers are generally preferred to glass since they are less susceptible to breakage. However, some chemicals attack plastic, so exercise caution in all cases. Containers should be of a size appropriate for the volume and rate of waste generated. Containers that are too small, decrease handling efficiency and tend to discourage any management method other than straight disposal. On the other hand, if containers are too large, laboratory workers are more likely to mix in a variety of wastes, which makes recycling or recovery more difficult. Also, oversized containers tend to sit around in the laboratory too long, to the detriment of safety and recycling options. When accumulating wastes, carefully evaluate whether similar or compatible wastes may be commingled. The first concern should be the safety issue of whether a hazardous reaction could occur from mixing incompatible chemicals. Another concern is whether commingling might preclude recycling/recovery options. On the other hand, commingling, if used appropriately, can enhance both good housekeeping and
1074-9098/$30.00 doi:10.1016/j.chs.2003.11.008
the efficiency of waste management. Because of these often conflicting issues, we recommend that you consult with your institution’s hazardous waste management staff prior to commingling wastes in your laboratory. If waste accumulation containers are to be reused, be sure that they are either rinsed with an appropriate solvent several times between uses or that each container is used only for similar, or preferably, identical wastes. There is no sense having a spill or unexpected hazardous reaction because one is trying to save a relatively small amount on the cost of containers. When reusing accumulation containers, be sure to deface all old markings and clearly label the contents when the container is returned to use. Like all chemicals, waste accumulation containers should be segregated by hazard class and stored away from potential hazards. When considering potential hazards, be sure to include the possibility of someone or something inadvertently knocking the container over. Keep containers tightly closed except when wastes are actively being added. Wastes should be disposed in a timely manner. Since many chemicals tend to degrade over time, the sooner unwanted materials are removed from the laboratory, the less likely they are to degrade, which allows for more recycling options. A good example is excess chemicals. Once you realize that you have excess chemicals, give them to your institution’s recycling program so someone else can use them rather than let them sit in your laboratory unused until they degrade to an unusable state. In summary, spending some time to consider how waste chemicals will be accumulated, using appropriate containers, storing accumulation containers safely and accurately labeling containers will have the positive benefits of enhancing safety, preventing spills, keeping recycling/recovery options open and minimizing waste management costs. Waste Minimization Recommendation #82: Prevent spills by selecting appropriate containers and keeping them sealed except when adding to them.
ß Division of Chemical Health and Safety of the American Chemical Society Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
37