Introduction

Hazardous waste is generated by numerous sources including industry, homes, government, medical and educational institutions and other operations. The improper disposal of hazardous waste is a problem of national concern; improper disposal not only pollutes the environment, but can also result in harmful effects to living organisms, including human beings. This Guide has been developed to assist you in recognizing hazardous waste(s) in the lab environment and to provide you with the information necessary to do our part in ensuring that hazardous waste is properly handled.

Laboratory operations are one of the primary waste-generating activities at Harvard. Many laboratory wastes are classified as hazardous waste by state and Federal regulation; as such, they are subject to specific handling requirements while in the laboratory and during disposal. By taking a few moments to ensure the proper handling and disposal of laboratory hazardous waste, you will be protecting the environment and helping to maintain a safe and more responsible workplace.

A safe and sound laboratory hazardous waste management program requires the cooperation and support of students, faculty and staff members. As a student, you play a vital role in the University's hazardous waste management program. Your decisions have a direct impact on maintaining a safe and environmentally responsible workplace.

What Are Hazardous Lab Wastes?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) have established a system for classifying substances as hazardous waste. According to the EPA and DEP, hazardous wastes:

1) Are listed chemicals, found on one or more extensive chemical lists published by EPA and DEP; or

2) Are chemical substances that exhibit one or more of the following characteristics:

Many common laboratory hazardous wastes are listed at the end of this Guide. If you have any questions on whether a waste might be classified as hazardous, please ask your Teaching Fellow (TF) for assistance. Teaching Fellows have been specifically trained to deal with common waste disposal issues in the laboratory. In addition, the Environmental Affairs page of the EH&S Home Page contains useful information to assist you with the proper classification of wastes.

Using Waste Containers

Take a moment to check with your TF regarding waste disposal plans before beginning your work in the lab. While individual lab practices will vary, labs will have a pre-labeled waste container in a designated "Satellite Accumulation Area". Hazardous wastes that you generate must be stored in these designated containers. The TF will also tell you about any special precautions to be followed while handling or transferring the waste material.

Check with your TF to determine acceptable disposal practices for your waste materials. It is important to remember that once a hazardous waste has been generated, it is subject to special handling practices as indicated below. According to EPA and DEP, all hazardous waste containers must be:

• in good condition
• properly labelled (with a Harvard Hazardous Materials/Waste Tag);
• securely closed unless wastes are being added. Open-top funnels should not be left in container openings.

Sink Disposal

Sink disposal of any hazardous waste is not permitted by environmental regulations. However, relatively dilute solutions of acids and bases (uncontaminated with other constituents and with a pH between 5.5 and 10.5) may be poured down the drain, as these wastes will be neutralized by building wastewater treatment systems before entering the sewer system. Note: Mercury-containing thermometers and instruments should not be used in or near sinks.

Use Responsible Handling Practices

Ensure that hazardous laboratory wastes are stored in appropriate containers. Make sure that the containers are labeled, and keep them closed when not in use. Unless you are sure that sink disposal is OK, don't pour chemicals down the drain.

Be Proactive!

If you have any questions regarding the proper identification or handling of hazardous lab wastes, contact your Teaching Fellow or visit the Environmental Affairs page of the EH&S Home Page.

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APPENDIX

Common lab hazardous wastes/chemicals prohibited from sink disposal: See the EH&S Environmental Affairs web page for additional lists of prohibited chemicals.

MISCELLANEOUS

Spent solvents Spent acids and bases and other strongly corrosive substances (pH <5.5 or >10.5) Spent oxidizers and other ignitable substances "Unused" reagents and other chemicals Waste oils Broken mercury-containing thermometers/instruments All mercury-containing materials Heavy metal salts Poisonous/reactive substances