STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
SP # APM011
Page 1 of 2
Version: 1.0
Date:
19/07/2010
Revise by: 19/07/2013
Replaces: N/A
Written by:
William A. McMaster
Authorised by: Rachel A. Caruso
Advanced Porous Materials Laboratory, School of Chemistry, The University of Melbourne
EMPTY BOTTLE PROCEDURE
1.
Introduction
This SOP discusses the procedure for dealing with empty chemical bottles and drums.
2.
Scope
This SOP sets out the procedure for the disposal of empty glass or high-density
polyethylene (HDPE) chemical bottles and drums, or the reuse of HDPE bottles and
drums as waste containers.
3.
Safety
Personal protective equipment should be worn.
4.
Licences and Permits
N/A
5.
Training and Competency
Training of a new member of the laboratory for dealing with empty chemical bottles and
drums can be handled by any experienced member of the Advanced Porous Materials
Laboratory.
Assessment of competency: N/A.
Persons found to be acting inappropriately with regards to this SOP may be excluded
from the laboratory.
6.
Risk Assessments
N/A
7.
Equipment and Maintenance / Handling and Storage / Labelling



Glass bottles must be placed next to the glass waste bin to await disposal.
HDPE bottles and/or drums should be stored on the bench along the western wall of
the laboratory for reuse, placed in the recycling bin, or be disposed of in the rubbish
bin.
All labels, including, hazard symbols, must be removed or defaced.
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
SP # APM011
Page 2 of 2
Version: 1.0
Date:
19/07/2010
Revise by: 19/07/2013
Replaces: N/A
Written by:
William A. McMaster
Authorised by: Rachel A. Caruso
Advanced Porous Materials Laboratory, School of Chemistry, The University of Melbourne
8.
Operating Procedures
1. Empty the bottle (or drum) of any remaining contents into an appropriate waste
container.
2. Thoroughly rinse the bottle with water and ethanol, as appropriate.
2.1 Treat the waste residue to make it safe for disposal.
3. Remove or deface all labels, including hazard symbols.
4. Allow the bottle to evaporate to dryness in a fume cupboard.
5. Dispose of the bottle cap, unless the bottle is being kept for reuse.
5.1 Bottles are not to be disposed of with caps still on.
6. Dispose of the bottle appropriately.
6.1 If a glass bottle….
6.1.1. Place it next to the glass waste bin.
6.2 If a HDPE bottle or drum…
6.2.1. Dispose of in the recycling bin or the rubbish bin; or,
6.2.2. Store, with cap on, on the bench along the western wall of the laboratory
until wanted as a waste container.
9.
Controls and Calibrations
N/A
10.
Waste Disposal


11.
Glass bottles must be placed next to the glass waste bin to await disposal in the glass
wheelie bins at the rear of the Chemistry Building.
HDPE bottles and drums, if not being stored for reuse, should be placed in the
recycling bin or be disposed of in the rubbish bin.
Relevant Documents / References
More comprehensive waste disposal procedures can be found in the posted “Disposal of
Chemical, Glass and Sharps Wastes” standard operating procedure.
School of Chemistry Safety Manual:
http://safety.chemistry.unimelb.edu.au/pdf/safman.pdf
Waste disposal procedures:
http://safety.chemistry.unimelb.edu.au/waste.php
12.
Signage / Summaries / Templates
N/A
13.
Appended Material
N/A