HAZARDOUS WASTE

Waste Minimization Program: Waste Stream Identification & Minimization Options


Step One:  Identify the waste-streams in the area; describe the processes that generate chemical waste; describe the approximate quantities and types of waste; and create written procedures for laboratory procedures

Step Two:  Examine waste reduction options

  • Source Reduction (TOP PRIORITY):

            Process Modification - are there any changes you can make in the following:

  1. laboratory management,
  2. chemical inventory management,
  3. housekeeping procedures,
  4. experimental design or
  5. waste segregation techniques?

            Technical Modification - are there any changes you can make in the following:

  1. modified instrumentation (replacing mercury thermometers, for example)
  2. material substitution (can you substitute with less hazardous materials)
  • Inventory Reduction
  • Reuse/Recycle or end-of-Process Treatment (must be integrated into written experimental design or requires a permit)


Step Three:  Implement the Waste Reduction Options