Laboratory and medical center waste management

1) Identify and label

– All wastes must be identified and labeled – Containers must be labeled at the time the first waste is added, and then add constituent names as needed. – -Chemicals in original containers with intact labels do not need to be relabeled unless they are difficult to read. Small bottles may be labeled by any means that fully identifies the contents of the bottle, such as placing the small container(s) in a special labeled bag. – Pre-printed, adhesive labels for chemical waste are available from each school and institute’s waste store. Or, labs can create, print, and secure custom labels to the container; as long as all constituents in the waste and the approximate concentration of each are provided. Avoid acronyms, chemical structures, or abbreviations. Provide the percentages of chemicals in a mixture, including water. – Carboys have an optional inventory of carboy waste containers for use with 5-gallon dump jugs, in addition to the chemical waste label. The chemical waste label must be completed with a general waste identification description, while the log must be completed in detail as waste is added to the container. Include the inventory log in the plastic sleeve found on the carboy when the container is full and ready for pickup. – Ensure waste containers are appropriate and in good condition – Collected waste is hauled outside of buildings and onto University streets. Therefore, chemical waste must be packaged in containers suitable for transport. Acceptable waste containers for common chemicals include: – Flammable and Halogenated Solvents: Four-liter glass solvent bottles, one- or five-gallon metal drums or plastic carboys, or any original solvent container; – Strong acids and bases: Glass or compatible plastic bottles up to 4 liters volume, original bottles preferred – Miscellaneous organic and inorganic reagents: Original containers or their equivalent. – Do not use biohazard bags for chemical waste storage.