Wait! Before you dump your waste... Rock the waste container gently to feel how full it
is. Is it nearly full? Ok, time to change it! See part VI.
--------I. The Two Mandatory Chemical Waste Bottles
Inorganic (aqueous) and organic waste containers are available in the large hood
by the sink. Inorganic containers should only be glass or plastic bottles. Organic
waste containers should only be glass bottles, or metal bottles in a pinch.
----------II. Where to Find/Store Empty Solvent Bottles
All empty chemical bottles are kept underneath the small hood in the left-most
cabinet. Please add to this collection when a solvent bottle is empty! If you have
an empty solvent bottle, scribble out the label and put it in the left cabinet.
----------III. Where to Find Waste Tags
Waste tags are in the black filing cabinet near the bench holding the SAXS
components. They are in the top drawer (Instrument Documentation) in a file
folder that says Waste Forms. These are long, skinny paperboard forms with a
sticky back. They can be stuck to the bottles by their sticky backs, or taped with
packaging tape to prevent chemical contamination.
----------IV. Filling out Hazardous Waste Tags
Waste tags must be filled out BEFORE waste is added to a container. In other
words, as soon as you decide to put your waste in a bottle, you need to attach a tag
to keep track of what’s in it. Usually we just list the major solvents/materials that
people usually work with, and leave it at that. You can also add to the list over
time if you add a substantial amount of something not listed there. Please put a %
Total amount in the right column as well (summing up to 100%.) This tag must be
CLEAN & LEGIBLE before waste pickup. Sometimes you need to re-write them
if chemicals are spilled on them.
---------V. Other Chemical Waste Bottles
If you prefer to keep a smaller, separate waste bottle for super-hazardous stuff or
something out of the ordinary (carbon black, inorganic particles, solidlike gels,
etc.) you may do so. The container must be able to be sealed, and it must have a
Hazardous Waste tag at all times. It should be kept in one of the hoods and kept
track of. Do not forget about it!
--------VI. Changing Waste Containers
If you notice that a waste container is getting full, please replace it. Cap the bottle
and wash down the sides with solvent to remove any spill residue. If the tag is
complete and legible, then you can just take the full waste bottle and move it to
the right cabinet underneath the small hood. If the tag is incomplete or illegible (if
some chemical is spilled on it, etc.) then get a new tag and write it up. Make sure
to securely affix it to the bottle. After you have moved the full container to the
waste collection area, get an empty bottle out of the left cabinet under the small
food, affix a tag, fill it out, and place the labeled bottle in the large hood.
--------VII. Waste Pickup
If the right cabinet underneath the small hood is getting full, it’s time for waste
pickup! Fill out the form linked on the Osujilab Wiki Safety homepage & email it
to the address listed on the form. Make sure all bottles are cleaned and tightly
closed. Sharps/biohazard boxes must also be collected periodically. See link on
Osujilab Wiki Safety homepage.
--------VIII. Sharps Boxes
Sharps boxes & lids can be acquired for free in the stock room. They should be
filled only to the line on the box, then the lid should be closed. These should be
stored in a cardboard Biohazard box (request from EH&S) for collection.