UCSB Chemical Hazardous Waste Disposal Procedures

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA BARBARA

Environmental Health & Safety

UCSB CHEMICAL HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL PROCEDURES

DON'T DUMP IT DOWN THE DRAIN!

To prevent injury, minimize environmental health hazards, and meet regulatory requirements, campus hazardous waste generators must comply with strict chemical waste disposal procedures. Please read this carefully and become familiar with the information so that campus waste can be disposed of in a safe, efficient, and legal manner.

Do not dispose of chemicals via sink or trash cans.

Do not use fume hoods to intentionally evaporate chemicals.

Do not store waste outside work area.

Do not abandon hazardous materials and waste.

Individuals may be held criminally liable for violations of applicable laws and regulations.

HOW TO HANDLE CHEMICAL WASTE

Minimize Initial Generation

   •Review each experimental protocol to assure that hazardous and radioactive reagents are used efficiently and that excess purchases are minimized.
   •Conduct microscale processes to minimize hazardous materials used and generated.
   •Use substances which can be neutralized or stabilized, either physically or chemically. Whenever possible, use radioactive materials which can be practically stored for decay (half-lives less than 60 days).
   •Substitute with less hazardous materials.
   •Always plan ahead (budget, supplies, storage, etc.) with regard to hazardous waste disposal.
   •Participate in the campus Surplus Chemical Exchange Program.

Comply with Requirements for Waste Storage

   •Store chemicals in appropriate containers designed for chemicals.
   •Containers must be completely sealed to prevent spillage (no open-top glassware!).
   •Liquid waste must be in screwtop containers only, and must not be filled over 80%.
   •Outside surfaces of containers must be clean and free of any contamination.
   •Gas cylinders and lecture bottles must have regulators removed.
   •Red Biohazard bags are for Biohazardous waste only.
   •Sharps must be stored in puncture-proof containers.
   •Store chemical waste in a designated location (low traffic, safe, secure, contained, etc.). Label this storage area as "Hazardous Waste Storage Area".

Appropriately Label Every Container

   •Use the official campus hazardous waste label and provide all the necessary information.
   •All hazardous waste containers must be labeled with the words "Hazardous Waste".
   •Do not lose track of container contents! All unknowns must be analyzed and their hazardous components identified at the generator’s expense.
   •Waste must be identified by chemical name. Labels such as "Inorganic Waste" and "Organic Waste" are not adequate (no abbreviations).
   •All constituents in solid and liquid mixtures must be identified, and to the extent possible their concentrations stated.
   •Identify the chemical hazard classification(s) of the waste (i.e.: Flammable, corrosive, oxidizer, etc.)
   •Any original/existing labels must be defaced by either removal or lining out.
   •Date containers. Dispose of hazardous waste containers in a timely manner. Under no circumstances store hazardous waste containers for more than 9 months.

Properly Segregate Hazardous Waste

Chemicals

•Segregate solids, liquids, and gases. •Segregate chemicals into the following categories:

- Halogenated organics - Strong oxidizers

- Non-halogenated organics - Peroxide-forming chemicals

- Acids of pH <2 (do not mix) - Cyanide

- Alkaline solutions of pH <12.5 (do not mix) - Chemical carcinogen

- Alkali metals and other water reactives - Unstable chemicals

- Heavy metal solutions and salts - Other toxic materials

Radioactive waste: Contact EH&S at ext. 7255/7256 (Radiation Safety) or your supervisor for more information.

Biohazardous material: Contact EH&S at ext. 8894 (Biological Safety Officer) or your supervisor for more information.

Proper Disposal

   •To arrange for a chemical or radioactive waste pickup, please fill out a UCSB Waste Pickup Request Form and send it to EH&S via campus mail or fax it to 893-7259 (please do not call EH&S). To electronically send a waste pickup request, visit EH&S’ web site at ehs.ucsb.edu.
Note: Although a continuation sheet is provided, one-page pickups are desired.
   •EH&S cannot accept responsibility for improperly labeled, packaged, and/or segregated chemicals, and will not pick them up.
   •Transferring waste into appropriate containers is the generator’s responsibility.
   •Waste containers become the property of EH&S and will not be returned.
   •To discuss disposal procedures, options, and/or projects related to hazardous waste disposal contact EH&S at extension 3293/7705.

WHAT TO DO IN THE EVENT OF A SPILL

Please contribute to a safe working environment. Your cooperation is appreciated.