Commonwealth Campus Chemical Waste Disposal

Chemical Waste- - Chemical waste includes wastes from chemistry, biology, science and engineering laboratories. This includes off-spec or out of date chemicals requiring disposal. Chemical waste also includes wastes from the maintenance department, and cleaning chemicals or certain paints from janitorial and housing and food service areas.

Chemical waste must be handled in accordance with the following chemical waste handling procedures:

• Chemical waste containers must be labeled with red tags and chemical compositions specified. Containers should be closed except when adding waste to the container.
• Evaporation of chemicals in chemical fume hoods or by other means, if not part of an experimental procedure, is not acceptable.
• Waste chemicals shall not be poured down the drain to the sanitary sewer unless specifically approved by Environmental Health and Safety.
• Remember that mixing of certain wastes can be hazardous. Do not mix incompatible materials and segregate incompatible materials appropriately.
• Peroxide Forming Chemicals (e.g. ether, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran) - Store in airtight containers in a dark, cool and dry place. Always label peroxide forming chemicals with the date received, date opened, and disposal/expiration date. Dispose of peroxide forming chemicals before the expiration date/date of expected peroxide formation. As a general rule, do not purchase greater than a 6 months supply of these materials. When peroxides are formed with these chemicals, there is an explosion hazard. As a result, these materials must be handled by a special contractor that can deactivate the peroxides. Contact EHS to arrange for safe deactivation and disposal of these materials.
• Picric acid has been widely used in laboratories. Picric acid that has dried out and has crystals represents an explosion hazard. Do not open the container. Make sure that the container is in a secure area where it will not be disturbed. Picric acid with crystals must be handled by a special contractor that can deactivate the hazard before the waste is disposed. Contact EHS to arrange for deactivation and disposal of this material.
• Store waste in compatible chemical containers.
• Waste containers shall be stored in secondary containment that will contain spills in the event a container breaks.
• Weekly satellite accumulation inspections must be conducted.
• An annual self audit of the chemical waste program must be completed.
• Complete the "Chemical Waste Pickup Request Form" for disposal of any chemical waste, chemicals no longer being used, and chemicals past their expiration date or very old. Commonwealth campus personnel should contact the campus safety officer to arrange a chemical waste pickup.

CHEMICAL WASTE PICKUP REQUEST FORM

Fax this information to Penn State EHS at: (814) 863-7427

or E-Mail to Kevin Myers at: myers@ehs.psu.edu

See the following Penn State Web Site for links to information on chemical waste disposal and Penn State’s Hazardous Waste Disposal Policy SY20:

Chemical Waste Handling and Disposal