MSDSs

Overview

Proper handling of reaction byproducts, surplus and waste chemicals, and contaminated materials is an important part of laboratory safety procedures. Each laboratory worker is responsible for ensuring that wastes are handled in a manner that minimizes personal exposure and potential for environmental contamination.

The first steps in managing chemical wastes are selecting the least hazardous chemicals for the task and ordering chemicals only in quantities really needed. Chemicals should not be kept in laboratories if they will not be needed, especially if they are peroxide-forming chemicals, polynitro compounds, or chemicals that are air- or water-reactive.

Bench covers, gloves, disposable coats, pipette tips, broken thermometers, and other disposable laboratory ware contaminated or potentially contaminated with hazardous chemicals shall be disposed of through ORS.

Northwestern University complies with U.S. and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and local regulations for disposal of chemical wastes and with the U.S. and Illinois Department of Transportation regulations for shipment to disposal sites. It is a federal and state offense to dispose of chemicals improperly. ORS is responsible for disposal of chemicals and should be contacted to arrange the removal of chemical wastes.

Waste removal by ORS

Chemical wastes are removed by ORS personnel. To request a pickup, complete a Surplus Chemical Collection Form. These forms are available from ORS. Supplies are kept in both the Evanston and Chicago offices and in bins outside of the office doors for access after hours. Once completed, return the paperwork to ORS. Receipt of this form notifies ORS that chemical waste has been generated and is ready for pick-up. Please note that chemicals may not be brought to directly to ORS.

Chemical waste containers must be labeled by laboratory personnel with the complete chemical names. Abbreviations, trade names, or chemical formulas are not permitted. When mixtures are generated, the amount and concentration of constituents must be listed on the container label and Surplus Chemical Collection Form. 

All wastes must be properly packaged before pick-up by ORS. To learn more about waste containers and acceptable packaging, see the section on containers for waste management.

Labeling waste

In accordance with the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard as well as related laws, all hazardous materials, including chemical wastes, must be properly labeled. A label listing all of the chemicals present and their concentration or percentage, if known, must be securely affixed to all waste containers (bottles, bags, etc.). Symbols, chemical formulas, structures, trade names, and abbreviations are not acceptable.

The description of the waste should appear on the Surplus Chemical Collection Form exactly as it appears on the label. Waste that is improperly labeled will not be removed for disposal by ORS. 

Sanitary sewer or ordinary refuse disposal

It is a violation of both safety and environmental regulations to pour chemicals down the drain unless they are first treated or neutralized and local regulations allow them in the sanitary sewer system. Nothing except dilute solutions of low-toxicity materials shall be disposed of in the sink.

Laboratory quantities of inorganic bases and acids, except chromic acid, may be neutralized but shall be at a pH between 5 and 10 to comply with local requirements before being flushed down the drain with excess water. Acid and base neutralization procedures are available from ORS.

In general, only the following nonhazardous materials may be placed into the ordinary refuse for disposal:

Materials which do not appear on this list must be collected for disposal by ORS.

Storage of waste

Proper storage of chemical waste shall include separation of incompatible materials. In general, separate organic and inorganic wastes. When incompatible chemicals are mixed as part of a research procedure, contact ORS about proper procedures for waste disposal.

To the extent possible, collect spent, halogenated solvents in a separate container from nonhalogenated solvents. Likewise, do not mix aqueous solutions with organic solvents.

Keep all wastes in well-ventilated areas. Flammable and combustible liquids should be stored in a flammables liquids cabinet. Waste containers must be capped at all times and may be uncapped only for the addition of more waste.

Remember to include the amount of flammable liquid wastes when calculating the total volume of flammables present in a laboratory.

Containers for waste collection

Collect all wastes using appropriate containers. Collect liquid wastes in sturdy, leak-proof containers. While plastic containers are preferred, glass containers will be accepted as long as the container material is compatible with the contents. Secure, leak-proof lids are required for all containers.

Chemically-contaminated laboratory waste is collected in yellow bags to prevent its being inadvertently placed in the trash. Yellow bags, which are used for chemical waste only, are available from ORS. Wastes shall be bagged, sealed, and placed into a second bag prior to pickup by ORS. Custodians shall not handle yellow bags. Each yellow bag shall have a label or tag identifying its contents. Yellow bags are not suitable for the collection of chemically-contaminated sharps such as needles and broken glass or large amounts of solids like silica gel or semi-solids like agarose gels.

ORS provides the following containers for the collection of chemical wastes:

• Yellow bags for chemically-contaminated solid waste
• One-gallon wide-mouth plastic bottles for aqueous wastes and organic liquids
• Five-gallon closed-head containers for the collection of solvents
• Five-gallon open-head pails for the collection of large quantities of contaminated agarose gels

ORS can arrange for larger-sized containers as needed. Contact ORS if your wastes require special containers.

Collection of sharps

Chemically-contaminated sharps such as broken glass, syringes, pipettes, and razors shall be collected in sturdy, rigid, puncture-resistant containers. Plastic bags are not acceptable for the collection of sharps as they do not offer any protection from needlesticks or cuts to those who handle the bags.

Keep in mind that sharps containers will be handled by a number of individuals before final disposal. It is the responsibility of the sharps user to ensure that the packaging of the waste does not pose a hazard for providers of disposal service. Sharps containers are available at the Office for Research Safety.

Disposal of pump oil

ORS collects pump and hydraulic oil from laboratories for disposal and can provide containers, if needed. If pump oil becomes contaminated, label the container with the identity of the contaminants and concentration, if known. Notify ORS of contaminated oil by listing the hazardous constituents on the Surplus Chemical Collection Form.

Disposal of unknown chemicals and mixtures 

ORS will accept unknown materials for disposal but requests that generators make every effort to identify the contents and to avoid the generation of these materials. List unknown materials on the Surplus Chemical Collection Form when you require disposal of these items. It is helpful to include the color and physical state of these materials on the form and any other information that may help in identification.

When unknowns are generated or found in the laboratory, exercise caution as these materials may be old and unstable. If you suspect your unknowns are reactive, call ORS prior to moving these materials.

Disposal of reactive and unstable materials

The disposal of reactive and unstable materials often involves special procedures. These materials include but are by no means limited to old peroxide-forming chemicals, dry picric acid, acetylides, heavy metal azides, and certain perchlorates.

If these materials are encountered in the laboratory, do not move them. If possible, isolate the materials by removing near-by chemicals and equipment. Call ORS for further help. If the materials are too reactive to move, ORS can arrange for an outside hazardous materials contractor to stabilize the material on-site.

Mixed waste

Mixed waste is any waste that contains radioactive material and also one or more hazardous chemical or biological components. Generators shall contact ORS prior to generating a mixed waste. Special requirements govern the disposal of such waste. Disposal of some mixed waste is prohibited by law. Generation of mixed waste in a University laboratory could jeopardize the University's compliance with federal regulations. Potential mixed waste generation must be addressed in the planning stage of any experiment that will create mixed waste.

Waste minimization 

The Environmental Protection Agency's policy for hazardous waste management places the highest priority on waste minimization. Under current environmental laws, the University must certify that it has a waste minimization program in place. In addition, the University must annually report to the government on efforts it has made to reduce hazardous wastes.

Waste minimization as defined by the EPA means a reduction in both the volume and physical hazards or toxicity of the material. The benefits of waste minimization include reduced disposal costs, decreased liability, improved working conditions, and less impact on the environment at the time of disposal.

The waste minimization policy at the University requires investigators to make every effort to minimize the volume or toxicity of their waste. Substitutions can be made to eliminate or reduce the amount of hazardous components. The last step of an experimental procedure can include treatment to reduce the toxicity of experimental by-products. Experimental procedures can also be altered to reduce wastes. Finally, but most importantly, improved laboratory management can result in waste minimization.

It is the responsibility of every investigator who generates waste to incorporate the principles of waste minimization into experimental design. ORS offers lists of specific methods for reducing waste and can help evaluate procedures for potential waste minimization benefits.

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ORS - Evanston • 2145 Sheridan Road • Tech NG71 • Evanston, IL 60208
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Phone 847/491-5581 or 312/503-8300 • FAX 847/467-2797 or 312/503-0547
e-mail researchsafety@northwestern.edu
Last Revision 05/16/2007
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