November 2011
The purpose of this information sheet is to provide guidance to staff and students using chemicals, for research and teaching purposes to ensure waste generated is disposed of according to the requirements of;
Heads of academic/administrative units or controlled entities and supervisory staff have a particular responsibility for ensuring that all persons who generate chemical waste dispose of it appropriately. This includes the development of waste disposal procedures, communicating local requirements to staff and students and ensuring that appropriate training is provided. The local safety officer can also provide specific advice on for disposing of chemical waste.
Chemical waste is treated according to its physical and chemical properties therefore segregation of waste products is crucial. The mixing of incompatible materials in waste streams can result in unwanted reactions, such as the production of toxic gases or explosions.
In some instances, it may not be possible to dispose of the waste through waste contractors, as they may not have the relevant licence or treatment facilities. In this instance, the waste generator must investigate alternative methods of disposal and if it is not possible to dispose of appropriately, the activity should not be performed.
It is the responsibility of the person performing the activity to include chemical waste disposal in risk assessments and produce procedures for disposal prior to conducting the experimental work.
The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) must be consulted for appropriate disposal methods when conducting the risk assessment for any work that involves the use of chemicals.
The preferred method of chemical waste disposal is to use a licensed waste contractor, e.g. Chemsal to ensure that waste is disposed of in a safe and environmentally responsible way. Waste must be properly labelled (see section 43), stored in a suitable container, and housed appropriately until collection. Arrangements must be in place for waste to be collected regularly by the licensed waste contractor for appropriate off-site treatment.
In some instances chemical waste may be treated in-house, but only if the material(s) convert to a non-hazardous product. Under no circumstances should hazardous waste be allowed to enter drains and dilution is not an acceptable alternative to appropriate disposal. For more information, contact the Office of Environmental Sustainability on extension 51018, your supervisor or safety officer.
All chemical waste containers must be labelled to accurately reflect their contents. The following details must be included:
Some frequently generated waste streams are listed below. All of these types of wastes can be disposed of via Chemsal. For further advice on classifying waste, contact your safety officer, supervisor or Chemsal directly on 1800 500 052.
| Waste type | Description |
|---|---|
| Non-Hazardous (No DG Class) | Waste that has no Dangerous Goods class. For example, Inorganic salts such as Sodium Sulphate and Ammonium Chloride. |
| Flammable Liquids (DG Class 3) | Includes solvents such as Acetone, Ethanol and Acetonitrile, mixtures and by-products from synthetic reactions. Sometimes, volatile solvents are mistakenly thought to be flammable. Refer to the MSDS for verification. |
| Oxidising agent (DG Class 5.1) | Includes Nitrates such as Ammonium nitrate and Chlorates such as Calcium hypochlorite. |
| Organic Peroxides (DG Class 5.2) | Organic peroxides may be either solid or liquid. They are typically thermally unstable and likely to react dangerously with other substances. |
| Unidentified Chemicals Samples (DG Class 6.1) | Applies to research samples not readily identifiable often because of inadequate labelling. |
| Contaminated Glassware or containers with trace amounts of DG Class 6.1 substances | These must be sealed in plastic containers or pails. |
| Halogenated Solvent (DG Class 6.1) | Generally, these have chloro-, bromo- or fluoro- atoms attached. Any contaminants must be identified on the label. |
| Toxic (DG Class 6.1) | Includes Acrylamide, Ethidium Bromide, Phenol/Chloroform, Cadmium and Mercury batteries, Mercaptoethanol waste, solid Paraformaldehyde and other toxic wastes. |
| Aqueous preserved samples (Ethanol/Formaldehyde) (DG class 6.1) |
Includes biological samples in Ethanol, Formaldehyde or similar biological fixative. NOTE: Samples that are in Ethanol (30% or higher) should be classified as class 3 flammable liquids. |
| Corrosives: Solid and Liquid (DG class 8) | Includes acids and alkalis, which react violently when mixed and which are sufficiently volatile to give off vapour irritating to the eyes and nose. Acids and alkalis should be separated. |
| Laboratory waste Miscellaneous (DG class 9) |
This class is generally for environmentally sensitive materials but can also include substances not covered by other classes. |
| Aqueous waste contaminated with organics (DG Class 9) | Describe all contaminants and their relative concentration |
For further information, contact your local OH&S consultant/advisor or Occupational Health and Safety on: