HARVARD UNIVERSITY

EMPTY CONTAINER DISPOSAL FACT SHEET

 

Containers with residual chemical and hazardous material remaining in them have been disposed in trash receptacles and pose a potential hazard to custodial staff and waste removal contractors.   Presently, numerous chemical containers of various sizes are disposed and commingled in normal trash receptacles.  Leakage or breakage of containers during transportation and compaction results in release of volatile fumes, odors, etc.  Hazardous waste regulations define specific criteria for containers to be considered empty

 

To minimize potential exposures and to comply with EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) and DOT (Department of Transportation) EH&S has developed the following guidelines.

 

A.     General Empty Container Guidelines

1.      Empty container contents by all means necessary (overturn pouring etc.)

2.      If it is in good condition reuse the container to store compatible hazardous chemical waste.

3.      Remove all caps from container prior to disposal in regular trash. (Exception: 5-gallon containers in Chemistry Dept - Keep caps securely on 5-gallon containers and place in designated area for pickup by Facility personnel)

 

B.     Specific Procedures

1.      Determine if the chemical is an acutely hazardous waste (P-Listed). Refer to the EPA/DEP Acutely Hazardous (“P”) Waste List on the EH&S web site http://www.uos.harvard.edu/ehs/env_pro_haz_lis.shtml   If the chemical is listed here, you can either:

q      Triple rinse the container with an appropriate solvent and collect the rinsate as hazardous waste; then dispose of container in normal trash.  The caps must be left off containers placed in the general trash;

OR

q      Dispose of the entire container as a hazardous waste (label, etc.). 

2. If the chemical is NOT an acutely hazardous waste (P-Listed) you can manage the containers in accordance with several options:

q      OPTION 1: Ensure that the container has been thoroughly emptied (RCRA empty definition) , remove cap and place in fume hood to air dry. Please ensure that adequate space is available in hood. Do not create unsafe conditions in fume hood by overcrowding or blocking flow vents.   

q      OPTION 2:  Ensure that the container has been thoroughly emptied.  No visible pooling of liquid should be apparent.  Rinse the container once with ~ 50 ml of water (or an appropriate solvent for substances not miscible in water).  All drained liquids and rinsates must be collected in appropriate hazardous waste containers.

3. Once the container is thoroughly drained and rinsed, it may be placed in the general laboratory trash. The caps must be left off containers when placed in the general trash.