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Chemical Waste Disposal. At Purdue. The chemical waste in the US is regulated differently depending on. where it comes from. how much waste is produced. Definition Compatibility Collection Tracking Labeling. Segregation Satellites (!?) Getting rid of it Quickly.
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Chemical Waste Disposal At Purdue
The chemical waste in the US is regulated differently depending on • where it comes from. • how much waste is produced.
Definition Compatibility Collection Tracking Labeling Segregation Satellites (!?) Getting rid of it Quickly (Not thatkind of satellite!) Topics
Define “Hazardous Waste” • ignitable • corrosive • reactive • toxic • First it has to be waste. • Then it has to be either • hazardous by characteristic • or a “listed” waste material (listed by name or by source) in the regulations
How to tell if something is HW #1: IS IT WASTE? • If it’s not a waste… • then it can’t be a hazardous waste. Waste = material intended for disposal(simplified definition)
REVIEW How to tell if something is HW #2: IS IT HAZARDOUS? • If it’s not hazardous (by characteristic or listing), • then it is not a hazardous waste. If it’s waste but not hazardous, it’s …. not hazardous waste! If it’s hazardous but not waste, it’s …. not hazardous waste!
Listed waste examples • any waste mixture containing 10% or more xylene, acetone, ethyl acetate, ethylbenzene, ethyl ether, methyl isobutyl ketone, n-butyl alcohol, cyclohexanone, methanol, or any combination…(F003 waste) • unused p-Nitroaniline… (P077 waste)
Characteristic HW is either • Corrosive: pH >12 or pH < 2.5 • Ignitable: 4-part definition which includes most strong oxidizers! • Reactive: 8-part definition focuses on reactivity with air or water producing high energy or toxic gas. • Toxic: leachate from TCLP test (EPA method 1311) contains toxins in the D004 – D043 list, handout p. 24.
SO MANY RULESSo Many Different Cases • Friendly folks at REM-HMM will answer all questions. • And then you do what they say. • If a new or changed situation arises, ask more questions • Return to step 1. 40121 Chem waste & Bio waste questions
Evaluate compatibility of wastes BEFORE mixing them together. Where possible, neutralize strong acids/bases, react reactives, reduce oxidizers, oxidize reducing agents…. AS A PART OF YOUR PROCESS. Chemical Compatibility
Collecting Waste Mixtures • Collect in appropriate containers; segregate hazards • Acids typically dissolve metals. • Some solvents dissolve some plastics. • HF and strong caustic etch glass • Don’t mix radioisotope and chemical waste. • Keep all mercury separate.
Chemical “Tracking” On log sheet of every waste container: • All ingredients are to be listed. • EPA-regulated items will be named, waste “characteristics” made clear. • Compatibility questions answered. • Your group waste manager will be able to do the job well.
Toxic characteristic chemicals names must always be noted. • See your handout p. 24
Toxic characteristic chemicals names must be includedon label and pickup request. • Any trace of any of those chemicals must be mentioned in the waste name(the “chemical description” on the pickup form and “contents” on the waste label.) • Other characteristics must also be made obvious in the name – ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity.
Container Labeling • Manufacturer’s label is fine for unwanted “store-bought” chemicals. • For all chemicals & mixtures not in manu-facturers’ container: • Contents - no abbreviations,no symbols, no formulae. • Percentages must add to 100%. • This orange label is not required, but is widely recognized and used.
Segregation & Compatibility • Segregate as for regular chemical storage: • Acids separatefrom Bases • Oxidizers notcloseto Organics • Water-Reactives awayfrom water. • Mix only compatible chemicals. • Use only compatible waste containers.
Satellite Accumulation Areas (it’s the jargon of the business; know it) • Container(s) must be • at/near point of generation of the waste, under “generator’s” control, • marked with words “Hazardous Waste,” and contents identified, • in good condition, • compatible with the waste, • kept closed securely, • stored and handled in such a way as to avoid rupture or leakage, • And….
Satellite Accumulation Areas continued • 7. If accumulation gets to >55 gallons, or > 1 qt of “acute” hazardous waste • it must be moved to the permitted waste facility (LMSB) within three (3) days. • 8. Generator (person generating waste) must demonstrate • “a good faith effort to minimize waste”
Ensuring That Your Waste Leaves Quickly • On Pickup Form • Fill out correctly, neatly, legibly. • Questions? Call 40121. • Labels must match pickup request names. • In the Lab • Sealed, clean, correct containers. • Area and waste are safe for REM people.
Pickup request 1. This one gallon jarcontains three broken mercury thermometers, with some paper towels and a couple of gloves. Write a line on the waste pickup request for it.
Pickup request continued 2. There are three 1 lb bottles of unused sodium thiosulfate. Write a second line on your waste pickup for these.
Pickup request continued 3. Waste container (4 L) log sheet says: Write a third line on your waste pickup for this.
TURN IN YOUR PAPERS • THANKS • Watch the website for practice final exam and instructions. • Next week is last class. BE THERE.