Satellite Chemical Waste Accumulation Areas

Question

How should chemical waste streams be stored?

Answer

Satellite accumulation areas should have waste organized by type.

  • Common waste streams
    • Acids, Bases, Non-Halogenated Solvents, Halogenated solvents, Inorganic solids, Organic solids, Other
  • Avoiding multiple same waste streams in the same storage area
    • Once a waste stream container is 80% full, fill out a hazardous waste pickup request with EH&S to have the container disposed of
      • Chemicals should not be held on to and disposed of as a group
    • Store waste streams in separate secondary containers to prevent reactions
    • Explosive waste streams should be stored separately from all other waste, especially flammable waste
    • Chemical waste should be stored in a suitable container with a tightly-closing lid to keep the container closed during storage
  • Items of Note
    • All waste streams should be labelled according to its contents
      • Waste labels and color-coded tags can be obtained from EH&S
        • RED – Acids
        • BLUE – Base
        • YELLOW – Non-Halogenated Solvent
        • ORANGE – Halogenated Solvent
        • GREEN - Other
      • Chemical waste should be labeled with the words “Hazardous Waste”, name and location of generator, date of initial accumulation, composition and physical state of the waste, EPA hazard code
      • Labels should be filled out to the best of your knowledge
      • Composition should be calculated once the bottle is 80% full
    • Waste stream containers should be stored in secondary containment
    • Waste should be stored in a secure area and proper PPE should be used while handling
    • EH&S recommends reusing or recycling appropriate empty containers when possible
      • New waste containers can be obtained through EH&S in Churchill #188
    • Compressed gas cylinders should be returned to the manufacturer when possible
      • Non-returnable cylinders require EH&S disposal
  • Containers to be considered empty
    • Liquid container – no liquid can drain from the container when tilted in any direction
    • Solid container – (powder, sludge, grease, thick resin, crystals, etc.) – the walls of the container must be scraped clean and cannot contain any adhered or encrusted materials
    • Aerosol container – must have its contents and pressure completely dispensed, the spray mechanism in place and functional
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