Chemical Waste Disposal

1. Chemical Waste Disposal At Purdue

2. The chemical waste in the US is regulated differently depending on • where it comes from. • how much waste is produced.

3. Definition Compatibility Collection Tracking Labeling Segregation Satellites (!?) Getting rid of it Quickly (Not thatkind of satellite!) Topics

4. 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

5. 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)

6. RECAP 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!

7. 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)

8. 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 contains toxins in EPA D004 – D043 list, handout p. 24.

9. 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

10. Evaluate compatibility of wastes BEFORE mixing them together. Where possible, neutralize strong acids/bases, react reactives, reduce oxidizers, oxidize reducing agents…. Chemical Compatibility

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. Toxic characteristic chemicals names must always be noted. • See your handout p. 24

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. Segregation of containers Segregate as regular chemical storage: • Acids separatefrom Bases • Oxidizers notcloseto Organics • Water-Reactives awayfrom water. (And carefully consider waste mixing, also container compatibility!)

17. 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….

18. Satellite Accumulation Areas continued • If more than 55 gallons, or more that 1 qt of “acute” hazardous waste • it must be moved to the permitted waste facility (LMSB) within three (3) days. • Generator (person generating waste) • must demonstrate • “a good faith effort to minimize waste”

19. 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.

20. 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.

21. Pickup request continued 2. There are three 1 lb bottles of unused sodium thiosulfate. Write a second line on your waste pickup for these.

22. Pickup request continued 3. Waste container (4 L) log sheet says: Write a third line on your waste pickup for this.

23. Answer to Ex 1

24. Answer to Ex 2

25. Answer to Ex 3

26. TURN IN YOUR PAPERS • THANKS • Watch the website for practice final exam and instructions. • Next week is last class – required attendance – review and demonstration.