
There are several types of hazardous waste generated by laboratories, most commonly chemical waste and biohazardous waste.Ĭhemical waste is considered any waste byproduct with chemical agents. There are several ways to improve your output with laboratory waste management – keep reading to learn our best tips. By reducing the amount of waste generated and altering how it’s managed, you can prevent health and safety risks and improve the efficiency of your system. Test the neutralized solution to confirm a pH between 5 and 9, and flush to the sewer with at least 20 parts water.Laboratories will always inevitably produce hazardous waste, which, if improperly managed, can lead to safety issues, damage to the environment, or even catastrophic accidents.If the container is still hot after 15 minutes, allow the reaction to continue until the heat has dissipated before continuing to the next step. The container should not be hot, and the contents should not be smoking. Allow the contents to react for 15 minutes to dissipate any heat before testing the pH.Slowly add an appropriate inorganic acid. Base neutralization: First add the base to a large vessel containing water.Stir the solution while slowly adding diluted acid. Acid neutralization: Make a basic solution using a large volume of cold water and an appropriate inorganic base.Perform all steps slowly and keep containers cool while neutralizing.When in doubt, or if neutralization is not feasible, any materials can be placed in disposable containers for IUEHS management. Note that acid-base neutralization is not required for disposal with IUEHS. Acids or bases that contain heavy metals must be managed by IUEHS.Ĭaution: vapors and heat are generated during neutralization.Oxidizing acids including chromic, perchloric and nitric acids in any amount are to be managed by IUEHS.Quantities that exceed 25 ml must be managed by IUEHS. Strong, concentrated acids or bases are limited to quantities of 25 milliliters (ml) or less, and must be diluted 10 to 1 before being neutralized and discharged to the sewer.The wastes designated in Attachment A: Disposal Options for Specific Chemicals for acid-base neutralization may be handled in-lab using the procedures below.
LABORATORY WASTE TREATMENT HOW TO
Those sections outline how to correctly identify, package, and segregate waste waste storage requirements and IUEHS waste collection for both laboratory and non-laboratory operations.


Crime & Public Safety Concerns on Your Campus.
