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Safety Reference
1-800-452-1261
flinnsci.com
The Basics of Laboratory Chemical Disposal, continued
full name of the chemical, the quantity printed on the bottle’s label, and the number of bottles of each size. The size of the bottle is often more important than the quantity of material if the whole bottle must be removed and shipped to a disposal facility. The cost may be identi- cal whether there are 1 or 100 bottles in a drum.
Chemical Disposal
Research the properties of unneeded chemicals to determine any that may be neutralized, reduced, precipitated, and/or disposed of in the trash or down the drain. The description for each chemical in your current Flinn Scientific Catalog/Reference Manual includes a disposal number. This number refers to one of the generally allowed, suggested disposal methods listed in the reference section of the catalog. Please verify state and local regulations that may apply, as some methods may not be permitted in particular areas. Disposal options may also be limited by the type of septic system the school has.
Review the following general guidelines and safety rules before attempting any disposal procedure.
• The quantity of material should be small—laboratory quantities only.
• Make sure you have read and understand the chemistry involved in the procedure.
• Never work alone!
• Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Perform all procedures in a laboratory environment with good
ventilation.
Hazardous Waste Disposal
Some chemicals, such as heavy metal salts (Cr, Pb, Ba, etc.) and halogenated solvents, will always require licensed hazardous waste disposal assistance. The EPA has published a very thorough workbook to help you evaluate options with respect to chemical cleanout and hazardous waste disposal. “Building Successful Programs to Address Chemical Risks in Schools,” available online at http://www.epa.gov/ schools/workbk.pdf, encourages academic institutions to identify district and community stakeholders that are vested in safe chemical management. Local fire and police departments, area colleges and universities, industry partners, and trade and professional organizations may be able to provide advice and assist with packaging chemicals for removal, removing mismanaged or unnecessary chemicals, and properly disposing of chemicals. The following options will help you identify potential partners and resources to investigate, plan and carry out chemical disposal.
• Contact the facilities staff for information about ongoing chemical disposal programs.
• If applicable, get in touch with your state science supervisor or department of education. Many states have implemented chemical cleanup campaigns in recent years. The state EPA may also have an existing program.
• Work with the state and local associations. Use the experience of other teachers who have faced similar issues to help your school comply with chemical disposal requirements.
• Seek the advice of your Environmental Health and Safety Department or that of a nearby college or university. Most large universities have ongoing waste disposal programs and understand state and local requirements.
• Contract with a licensed hazardous waste disposal firm for removing chemicals. Because the institution has cradle-to-grave responsibility for its chemicals, even after they have been removed from the site, it is vital that you choose a licensed and reputable firm. Ask for and check references, and do not automatically choose the lowest bid. Request a certificate of disposal for the chemicals.
Flinn Suggested Laboratory
Chemical Disposal Methods
Flinn Scientific has been publishing suggested laboratory chemical disposal methods for more than 40 years. Each chemical in the Flinn Scientific Catalog/Reference Manual has a disposal number under its name. The disposal number refers to one of the suggested disposal procedures listed in this section. As federal, state, and local regulations have changed, many disposal procedures have been updated or deleted. Before attempting any disposal procedure, it is essential that you check local regulations to determine if it is allowed in your locale.
Before attempting any disposal procedure, the following safety rules must be followed:
 Never work alone!
 Always were appropriate personal safety equipment.
 Perform all procedures in a laboratory environment with
proper ventilation. Note that a fume hood is required for some procedures.
If you have any questions concerning laboratory chemical disposal methods, please call (1-800-452-1261) or email ([email protected]) the Technical Services department at Flinn Scientific Inc.
Did You Know It Is Always Yours?
Hazardous waste chemicals are yours FOREVER! As the genera- tor, your institution will be held responsible in perpetuity for hazardous waste. Even if you contract with a firm to remove the material from your school, it remains yours forever. With that in mind, always know and get references for the firm you hire to remove such materials. As one instructor belatedly said after a sad series of disposal events, “I should have known I was in trouble when they came in a rented truck.”