Managing Hazardous Chemical Waste

What is Hazardous Waste EPA Definition: A material is a hazardous waste if due to its quantity, concentration, physical, chemical or infectious characteristics it possesses a substantial present, or potential hazard to human health and the environment and has no known use.

What chemical waste must be managed? Wastes that meet any of the following characteristics. Ignitable – Flashpoint of ≤ 140°F Ignitable – Flashpoint of ≤ 140°F Corrosive – pH ≤2 or ≥ 12.5 Corrosive – pH ≤2 or ≥ 12.5 Toxic – LD-50 < 5000 mg/kg Toxic – LD-50 < 5000 mg/kg Reactive – Reacts with anything Reactive – Reacts with anything

Is this Hazardous Waste? California has a much broader definitions of hazardous waste and waste determination can be time consuming and costly. If you run into the question, “Is this hazardous waste?”, call EH&S and we will help you make this determination! (x46778) REMEMBER: Because you can throw it the trash or pour it down the sink at home, does not mean you can do it in the lab.

Hazardous waste must not be disposed of on site. This includes Storm or Sewer Drains …The Trash Can

Hazardous waste must not be disposed of on site. Especially… Through Waste Treatment!!

Waste Container Removal Call EH&S Department at x46778 or x Call EH&S Department at x46778 or x Never allow more than the maximum amounts to be accumulated. Never allow more than the maximum amounts to be accumulated. Satellite containers will be removed within seven working days. Satellite containers will be removed within seven working days.

Satellite Accumulation These are areas on Campus that generate small quantities of Hazardous Waste. This would include laboratories. Definition: An Area that within 9 months accumulates- No more than 55 gallons of any hazardous waste stream. No more than 55 gallons of any hazardous waste stream. No more than 1 quart of any acutely or extremely hazardous waste stream. No more than 1 quart of any acutely or extremely hazardous waste stream.

Hazardous Waste Storage Waste containers must be kept closed/capped unless waste is being added or removed! A funnel is not a cap Good Secondary Containment This open waste containers needs a cap Poor waste labeling here as well

Hazardous Waste Storage Containers must have closable/sealable lids or covers. Containers must have closable/sealable lids or covers. Containers must be in good condition: no holes, creases, cracks, rust. Containers must be in good condition: no holes, creases, cracks, rust. They must be compatible to the waste stored in it. They must be compatible to the waste stored in it. Container open with no label

Hazardous Waste Storage No Food or Beverage Containers are ever to be used! No Food or Beverage Containers are ever to be used!

Weekly Inspection At least weekly, the Responsible Party must inspect areas used for hazardous materials storage. At least weekly, the Responsible Party must inspect areas used for hazardous materials storage. You must look for leaking containers, for deterioration of containers and for deterioration of the containment system. You must look for leaking containers, for deterioration of containers and for deterioration of the containment system. Any issues found must be corrected immediately. Any issues found must be corrected immediately.

Weekly Inspection A written record of this weekly inspection should be posted in the laboratory or work area. A written record of this weekly inspection should be posted in the laboratory or work area. You can make your own sheet or contact your EH&S inspector for one. You can make your own sheet or contact your EH&S inspector for one.

Waste Labeling Label must have the words: - “Hazardous Waste” - The name and address of the generator (SDSU) - The waste composition and physical state - Percent volume - Type of Hazard, ie. Flammable, Corrosive, Toxic - The accumulation start date (Month, Day, Year) Incomplete waste label -Component label smeared -No percent volume -No hazards checked

Waste Labeling In other words, fill out the entire hazardous waste label!!

“Empty” Containers > 5 gallons in size which previously held hazardous materials must be managed. > 5 gallons in size which previously held hazardous materials must be managed. < 5 gallons don’t need to be managed as hazardous waste. < 5 gallons don’t need to be managed as hazardous waste. Empty containers that previously held Highly toxic materials must be handled as hazardous waste, ie. “Sodium azide”. Empty containers that previously held Highly toxic materials must be handled as hazardous waste, ie. “Sodium azide”.

“California Empty” Collect: Collect: –Collect in a safe location Invert to dry: Invert to dry: –Invert bottle over paper towels and shake to dry. (Do not air dry in fume hoods or by leaving the lid off) Deface: Deface: –Thoroughly deface the chemical label and mark as empty Dispose: Dispose: –To dispose of the bottle call EH&S

Key methods for waste minimization Reduce Reduce –Purchase only what you need –Set up experiments so that less solvent or chemicals are needed Reuse Reuse –Reuse empty containers to collect waste –Reuse a solvents if purity is not an issue Recycle Recycle –Some waste oils can be recycled –Some metal cables and tubing can be recycled Waste Minimization

Chemical Spills Have a Spill Kit Ready Set-up kit for your specific needs Set-up kit for your specific needs Take inventory of the kit frequently Take inventory of the kit frequently Quickly replace used or missing items Quickly replace used or missing items

Spill Response For Small Spills: Spills of one gallon or less, clean the spill using the material in your spill kit. Spills of one gallon or less, clean the spill using the material in your spill kit. Don your proper protective equipment (PPE). Don your proper protective equipment (PPE). Place contaminated material into your spill bag, seal, and attach a hazardous waste label. Place contaminated material into your spill bag, seal, and attach a hazardous waste label. Request a waste pick up of the material from EH&S. Request a waste pick up of the material from EH&S. Rats

Spill Response For Larger Spills: Contain the spill if possible, notify others in the area, and evacuate the area. Contain the spill if possible, notify others in the area, and evacuate the area. Notify your safety officer or EH&S and the supervisor of the area. Notify your safety officer or EH&S and the supervisor of the area. If after business hours, notify Public Safety (911). If after business hours, notify Public Safety (911). Do not call Off-campus emergency services. This can lead to longer response time!! Do not call Off-campus emergency services. This can lead to longer response time!!

Finally, If All Else Fails… Consult the Hazardous Materials and Hazardous Waste Management Practices Booklet provided by EH&S. Consult the Hazardous Materials and Hazardous Waste Management Practices Booklet provided by EH&S.

Frequently Asked Questions Q: How do I know if my waste product is actually hazardous? Q: How do I know if my waste product is actually hazardous? A: Other than going though a long and costly waste determination process, give the material to EH&S and let them make that determination. A: Other than going though a long and costly waste determination process, give the material to EH&S and let them make that determination.

Frequently Asked Questions Q: How do I know if a chemical is acutely hazardous waste? Q: How do I know if a chemical is acutely hazardous waste? A: Acutely hazardous waste is given something called a P-code by the EPA and can be found at the following link: A: Acutely hazardous waste is given something called a P-code by the EPA and can be found at the following link: – and click on The P-list and the U-list. –Or go to 40 CFR (e)

Frequently Asked Questions Q: Do I need exact percentages on the hazardous waste label? Q: Do I need exact percentages on the hazardous waste label? A: No, they can be done in percent ranges like 10-30%. If there are too many components and there is not enough room to list them, then list the three major components or any acute hazardous waste, no matter the amount. A: No, they can be done in percent ranges like 10-30%. If there are too many components and there is not enough room to list them, then list the three major components or any acute hazardous waste, no matter the amount.

The End