Bulk Chemical Waste
Because you work in the laboratory, you spend a great deal of time in close proximity with various hazardous substances. Yet, you may not be aware that the cost of chemical waste disposal in some cases is two to three times the purchase cost of the chemical. For cost control reasons, it is very important that you follow the waste disposal guidelines of the university.
5-gallon waste containers designated for the disposal of spent organic materials, are available free of charge from EH&S. Spent chlorinated and non chlorinated organic materials must be collected in separated containers. If additional 5-gallon plastic cans are needed, please contact the Environmental Health & Safety Department, x4444.
Other Chemical Waste
Chemical waste that cannot be poured into the 5-gallon waste cans may be disposed of by lab-pack procedures. EH&S has contracted with a waste disposal company to "lab-pack" materials that cannot be fuel blended. To have lab-pack waste removed from your laboratory, complete a Hazardous Waste Disposal Tag (available from EH&S), attach the tag to the container of waste and contact EH&S at x4444 for a pick up. Guidelines for appropriate waste containers are on the back of the tags.
All containers must be labeled with the chemical contents and dated when the container was placed in use. Under no circumstances should any container of spent material remain in the laboratory more then 90 days. These
requirements
are federal law!
Biohazardous Waste Disposal
Currently, Texas' solid waste disposal regulations do not permit pathological or biohazardous waste in industrial or municipal landfills. EH&S has contracted with a company to pick up this type of waste from campus on a routine basis. Waste must be placed in a box provided by the contractor and sealed prior to shipment. Each box is limited to 40 lbs. Please contact EH&S to obtain biohazard disposal boxes or to schedule a pickup.
Do not use biohazard waste bags for disposal of ordinary trash. If additional trash bags are needed, contact Custodial Services at x2536.
Sharps Disposal
What are sharps? Any material that has the potential to penetrate a trash bag and cut or puncture housekeeping personnel. Examples include broken glass, needles, scalpels, etc. All sharps should be disposed by placing these items in a sharps container.
Broken Glass
Broken glass should be disposed of in a broken glass container (available from the Chemistry Stockroom). If a broken glass container is not available, a heavy-duty cardboard box will do. Place the material in the box. When you are ready for disposal, tape the lid closed, mark the box "broken glass," and take the box to the loading dock of your building. Do not overload the box or place any liquid in the box.
Radioactive Waste
Radioactive waste/materials require special handling. Short 1/2-life waste should be held for decay and then disposed of as chemical waste or placed in the trash.
If you have any questions, please contact the Environmental Health & Safety Department, x4444.