HAZARDOUS WASTE

Waste Minimization Program:  Prevent Unknown Substances

Perhaps the most expensive and time-consuming group of potentially hazardous chemical waste is the unknown. If no identity can be assigned to a chemical or chemical mixture, or it cannot be determined by process knowledge, the unknown must be subjected to analytical procedures that can cost your department several hundred dollars and delay the disposal process. This means non-hazardous unknowns must be disposed of as hazardous on the side of caution. Most unknowns can be avoided by using standard laboratory protocol. If the chemical is a commercial preparation, please make every attempt to contact the original manufacturer and obtain MSDS sheets for the material. Remember; unknowns will NOT be picked up for disposal by university personnel.

Prevention COST: Extremely low in terms of materials and time

  • Label all containers promptly and properly as soon as chemicals are put into them. This is true of non-hazardous materials as well, to avoid having to dispose of them as hazardous waste. It also helps to ensure proper use of the container's contents.  
  1. When a new item arrives, contact your Authorized Materials Receiver to attach a barcode label and enter that item into the inventory.
  2. If, during a laboratory procedure, you are generating waste or preparing standard solutions, make sure each container is labeled completely.
  • Inspect containers and labels periodically. Replace fading or deteriorating labels.

Disposal COST: Moderate to high in time, materials and monetary expense

  • Narrow down the possibilities: Ask coworkers or students that have previously used the area about the container. Someone else may know what the contents are or you might be able to get a general idea of the contents. Check current projects and fresh reagents present in the area. The waste may have been derived from them. Other clues are the manufacturer, an MSDS, container type, etc.

Consequences of Non-compliance  COST: Extremely high in terms of money, time and reputation

  • It is illegal to get rid of your unknowns by dumping them into the trash or down the drain. The EPA will see the unknowns and fine your department heavily for violations.