hazardous waste management & waste minimization training

Hazardous Waste Hazardous Waste Management & Waste Management & Waste Minimization TrainingMinimization Training

April CaseSr. Environmental Specialist

Environmental Health and SafetyPhone #: 974-5084

acase3@utk.edu

Learning ObjectivesLearning Objectives Individuals who

generate or handle hazardous waste will be able to:1. Identify hazardous

waste2. Ensure it is

properly managed

Training RequirementsTraining RequirementsThe US Environmental Protection Agency

(EPA) and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) require documented training for individuals who handle and/or generate hazardous waste.

There is initial training, followed by annual refresher training.

Please contact EHS for training information.

Proper Waste ManagementProper Waste Management

Proper Waste management is Essential:◦Maintain Healthy Work Environment◦Ensure compliance ◦Reduced costs (proper I.D., generation reduction, and disposal procedures)

◦Promotes efficiency in research◦Sets good example for community

Definition: Hazardous WasteDefinition: Hazardous WasteHazardous Waste is

defined by the EPA as: A material that no longer

has an intended value.Exhibits properties that

make it dangerous or potentially harmful to human health or the environment.

Can be in the form of liquid, solid, gas or sludge.

Definition: Hazardous WasteDefinition: Hazardous WasteHazardous Waste can

be the by-products of manufacturing processes or simply discarded commercial products, like cleaning fluids or pesticides.

Sources of Hazardous Waste in Sources of Hazardous Waste in Laboratories:Laboratories:Spent solvents and non-empty solvent

containers.Testing SamplesUnused ReagentsReaction ProductsAbsorbents and spill cleanupContaminated materials (i.e. glassware,

gloves; pipet tips)Used Chromatography vialsGas Cylinders

Hazardous Waste ExclusionsHazardous Waste Exclusions The following categories of

waste are not considered hazardous waste for this program:1. Sewage2. Regular trash3. Universal waste (fluorescent

bulbs, batteries)4. Radioactive and biohazard

Improper Disposal MethodsImproper Disposal MethodsHazardous waste must not be

discarded by:• Sanitary Sewer• Storm Sewer• Regular Trash• Mixed with Biohazard• Evaporation (a container

without a lid implies evaporation for volatile substances)

• Mixing With Non-hazardous Waste

Waste is Hazardous if…Waste is Hazardous if…

It is listed as a hazardous waste in the Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), which is enforced by the EPA.

It exhibits one or more of the characteristics described on the next slide.

4 Categories of Hazardous 4 Categories of Hazardous Waste:Waste:Corrosive (pH less than

2.0 or greater than 12.5)Ignitable – also known

as flammable; oxidizersReactive (i.e. shock

sensitive, water reactive)Toxic – very broad

category; includes metals (Mercury), organics (Methylene Chloride)

4 Categories of Hazardous 4 Categories of Hazardous Waste: Waste: CorrosivesCorrosivesCorrosive (pH less

than 2.0 or greater than 12.5)

Examples include: Hydrochloric acid, Sulfuric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide

4 Categories of Hazardous 4 Categories of Hazardous Waste: Waste: IgnitablesIgnitablesIgnitable – also known

as flammables; Examples include: Acetone, Toluene, Xylene

Any waste material with a flashpoint < 140° F.

Includes oxidizers (Sodium nitrate, potassium permanganate)

4 Categories of Hazardous 4 Categories of Hazardous Waste: Waste: ReactivesReactivesReactive: Includes shock

sensitive (lithium and sodium, water reactive (calcium carbide, spontaneously combustible, peroxide-forming (ethyl ether) and potentially explosive chemicals (dry picric acid).

4 Categories of Hazardous 4 Categories of Hazardous Waste: Waste: ToxicsToxicsToxic – very broad category; Includes metals, such as mercury,

lead and compounds such as Methylene Chloride, Chloroform.

Includes acutely toxic chemicals, which are very dangerous (i.e. Sodium Azide, arsenic and cyanide compounds. See EHS web-site for list of acutely toxic hazardous waste chemicals.

How do you know if a material is How do you know if a material is considered a hazardous waste?considered a hazardous waste?

The burden of proof is on the generator, not the disposal contractor.

The material safety data sheet (MSDS) or original container labeling are good starting points.

Unlabeled containers present a number of problems

When in doubt, assume worst case and manage as a hazardous waste.

Contact EHS for guidance.

Proper LabelingProper LabelingContainers must be labeled to include all

hazardous components, as soon as waste is added to the container.

Labels are available from EHS. Tags are also available for small containers.

Do not complete the accumulation start date section of the label – this will be done when the waste is brought to the waste room.

Proper LabelingProper LabelingWhen labeling, do not use abbreviations Do not use general terms or

nomenclature such as:◦Waste◦Solvent◦Formula◦Trade names

Containers must be labeled to include all hazardous components.

Example of Completed UT Example of Completed UT Hazardous Waste Label:Hazardous Waste Label:

Bad Example:Bad Example:Do not use

formulas, or draw molecular structure of the chemical.

Make sure the label is legible and easy to read.

Bad Example:Bad Example:

When labeling, do not use chemical formulas.

Write out the chemical name in its entirety on the label.

Hazardous WasteHazardous Waste

Hazardous WasteHazardous Waste

Hazardous WasteHazardous Waste

HPLC Waste BottlesHPLC Waste BottlesSeveral TDEC violations were cited for HPLC

bottles as “open containers” on campus.Make sure to use secondary containment.

Unknowns:Unknowns:Unknowns cost up to

10x more to dispose than the original purchase price of the chemical.

In 2001, UT Knoxville spent over $70,000 to identify unknowns (does not include disposal costs).

ContainersContainersContents must be

compatible with container material

Problems:◦Certain solvents

placed in plastic containers

◦Hydrofluoric acid in glass containers

Containers-Adding WasteContainers-Adding Waste When adding hazardous waste to

a container, only add the constituents that are specifically listed on the waste label.

Be careful not to mix incompatibles

Minimize void space in containers by assuring that collection containers should be filled to capacity (with a little head room for expansion) before requesting disposal or combining two containers of identical material into one.

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ContainersContainersFor container selection

- look at original container material

The container must be closed

Must be in good condition (no cracks or rust)

Clean on outsideMust be leakproof

ContainersContainersMaximum amount that can accumulate

in the lab is 55 gallons of hazardous waste or 1 kilogram of acutely toxic waste.

If you accumulate more than the maximum amount, the waste needs to be removed from your lab no later than 3 days after these maximum amounts are reached.

PROBLEM:◦Open Waste

Container.◦Waste stored in

readily recognizable food container.

◦No UT hazardous waste label.

SOLUTION:◦Place in appropriate

waste container that is closed and properly labeled.

Dry SolidsDry SolidsBags are ok for dry solids, as

long as the bags are sealed closed and labeled properly and there are no free-flowing liquids.

Sharps (needles) must go in puncture-resistant containers.

Do not place dry solids cont. with chemicals in red or orange biohaz bags.

If the waste is both chemically and biologically contaminated, please contact EHS or Office of Biosafety with questions.

Bad Example:Bad Example:

Make sure dry waste is stored in a closed waste container.

This was discovered by TDEC and was written as an NOV (Notice of Violation).

Waste SharpsWaste SharpsTwo Types of Sharps:◦Biohazard◦Chemical

Biohazard sharps:◦You must supply your own containers (red boxes)

◦Bring Containers to Waste Room for collection

Waste SharpsWaste SharpsChemical sharps:

◦No biohazard symbols or red boxes for these sharps, or biohazard bags

◦All hazardous waste labeling requirements are applicable for the chemicals contaminating these sharps (keep compatible)

Good Example:Good Example:

These chemically contaminated sharps are labeled properly and being stored in an appropriate waste container.

Ethidium Bromide GelsEthidium Bromide GelsEPA does not consider ethidium

bromide hazardous waste, but UTK handles as special waste.

UTK requires Ethidium Bromide waste to be labeled with UT waste label.

Ethidium Bromide waste can be stored in bags as long as there are no free flowing liquids.

You can dry gels in fume hood before bringing to waste room.

•Best container for storage and disposal of Ethidium Bromide gel waste: Sealable plastic containers•Next best option: Large mouth containers

Ethidium Bromide Gels

Ethidium Bromide LiquidsEthidium Bromide LiquidsDilute aqueous solutions containing <0.5

mg/ml ethidium bromide can be filtered or deactivated using either charcoal filtration (EHS preferred method), or chemical deactivation. Please see EHS web-site for more guidance.

Concentrated solutions (>0.5 mg/ml) should be collected for disposal as hazardous waste. 

Any solutions that also contain heavy metals, organics, cyanides or sulfides should be collected and disposed of as hazardous waste.

Waste SegregationWaste SegregationSegregate by Hazard Categories:

◦Flammables◦Oxidizers◦Acids◦Bases◦Toxic◦Combination (i.e. Nitric Acid; Glacial Acetic Acid)

Waste Segregation: Common Waste Segregation: Common ExamplesExamplesCyanide salts and acid

◦Hydrogen Cyanide and Sulfuric AcidFlammables and Oxidizers:

◦Acetone and Sodium NitrateAcids and Bases

◦Hydrochloric Acid and Sodium HydroxideMercury and mercury compoundsUnstable just from long shelf life

◦Ethers, Sodium Azide, Picric AcidCheck EHS web-site for partial list of incompatible

hazardous chemicals.

Waste Segregation:Waste Segregation:Segregate

◦Use Cabinets This is ideal-flammable and corrosive waste.

◦Use Dish pans or Tubs Space is premium, so in the event of spills this prevents reaction and allows time to clean it

Waste Segregation:Waste Segregation:What NOT to do:

◦Separate by shelf one on top of the other

◦Opposite side of fume hood without catch basin

◦Alphabetical chemical storage systems

◦It is best to segregate, then alphabetize.

Items of Concern:Items of Concern:What NOT to do:

◦Separate by shelf one on top of the other

◦Opposite side of fume hood without catch basin

◦Alphabetical chemical storage systemsSegregate then alphabetize

EtherEtherAll Ethers MUST be dated when opened

Use within 1 year

• Ether is one of the “dirty dozen” responsible for more than it’s share of accidents, due to extreme flammability.

• Handle in fume hood, and pay attention to heat and flame sources.

List of Chemicals with Peroxide List of Chemicals with Peroxide HazardsHazards

Peroxide Hazard on Storage Discard After Three (3) Months

Isopropyl ether Divinyl acetylene

Vinylidene chloride Potassium metal

Sodium amide

Peroxide Hazard on Concentration Discard After One (1) Year

Ethyl ether Tetrahydrofuran

Dioxane Acetal

Methyl isobutyl ketone (glyme) Ethylene glycol dimethyl ether

Vinyl ethers Dicyclopentadiene

Diacetylene Metal acetylene

Cumene Tetrahydronaphthalene

Cyclohexane t-Butyl alcohol

Hazardous to Peroxide Initiation of Polymerization Discard After One (1) Year

Styrene Butadiene

Tetrafluoroethylene Chlorotrifluoroethylene

Vinyl acetylene Vinyl acetate

Vinyl chloride Vinyl pyridine

Chlorobutadiene (Chloroprene) 9,10-Dihydroanthracene

Indene Dibenzocyclopentadiene

Definition of Empty Container:Definition of Empty Container:

An empty container is defined by the EPA as one where: ◦All product has been emptied using common practice◦No more than 1 inch of product residue remains in container ◦No more than 3% by weight of the product remains (containers <110 gallons)

Empty ContainersEmpty ContainersEmpty containers (bottles, cans, jars, bags,

etc) that once held a hazardous substance may be discarded in the regular trash and are not considered hazardous waste

Exception – Empty Containers that held acutely hazardous materials are regulated as hazardous waste, unless they are triple-rinsed (see EHS web-site for list of acutely hazardous chemicals). Examples include: sodium azide, cyanides, arsenic compounds, some pesticides, and acrolein.

Empty ContainersEmpty Containers

Make sure you deface any markings, such as DOT diamonds, and labels from empty containers.

Broken GlassBroken GlassPlace Broken Glass

into a box, seal it, and discard it into a dumpster◦This ensures that housekeeping or anyone else downstream does not get hurt.

Satellite Accumulation AreaSatellite Accumulation AreaSatellite Accumulation

Area: area in the lab where waste chemicals are stored.

Must be designated with signs – available from EHS

Sign to Identify Hazardous Sign to Identify Hazardous Storage Area:Storage Area:

Criteria for SAA:Criteria for SAA:Away from heat and sparksClose to waste generation areaAway from incompatible materialsDoesn’t interfere with use of fume

hoodOut of the way, so won’t get

knocked overEasily cleaned and or secondary

containment

Transporting Chemicals Transporting Chemicals Safely on CampusSafely on Campus

Be aware of the chemical’s hazards.Hazardous chemicals must be

attended at all times during transport.

Wear appropriate PPE.Use Secondary Containment.Avoid using passenger elevators.Use a cart if needed.Avoid transporting chemicals in

vehicles.

Spills & EmergenciesSpills & EmergenciesFor minor spills, call EHS at

974-5084 if you feel you cannot handle the situation (during regular work hours).

For major spills and other safety emergencies after hours, please call 974-9586 (Safety on-call number) or 911 if needed.

Remember that any waste generated from a spill cleanup of a hazardous waste or chemical must be managed as a hazardous waste.

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Shipping Hazardous Shipping Hazardous Materials Materials If you need to ship

hazardous materials (dangerous goods) by land sea, or air (i.e. Fed-ex or UPS), please contact EHS.

You must be IATA trained before shipping hazardous material.

Waste can be brought to the Waste can be brought to the following locations:following locations:

Walters Waste Room (WLS) Room M-209 Wednesdays 1:00-2:00 p.m.SERF Waste Room @ loading

dock on 2nd Floor: Wednesdays 2:00-3:00 p.m.EHS does not accept DEA

Controlled Substances.Do not leave waste

unattended!!!!

Hazardous Waste ViolationsHazardous Waste ViolationsViolation of hazardous

waste regulations can result in substantial fines to the university

Waste generators can be fined as much as $50,000/violation/day, depending on the violation.

TDEC and EPA conduct unannounced inspections on campus.

Top Hazardous Waste Violations Top Hazardous Waste Violations found on campus by TDEC:found on campus by TDEC:1. Open Containers – lid not in place2. Hazardous Waste Labels – missing,

or incomplete3. Hazardous Waste Determination –

waste has not been characterized4. Personnel Training – no

documentation5. Satellite Accumulation Area –no

sign

UTK’s Hazardous Waste Reduction UTK’s Hazardous Waste Reduction and Waste Minimization Policyand Waste Minimization PolicyState regulations require the university

write and implement a hazardous waste reduction and waste minimization plan.

In 2007, UT Knoxville disposed of approximately 60,000 pounds of hazardous waste at a cost of $230,042.05.

Why should we reduce Why should we reduce hazardous waste hazardous waste generation?generation?Lowers waste disposal costs and

compliance costsReduces long term liability for disposalReduces costs of chemical purchasesReduces health hazardsPromotes environmental awarenessPrevents pollution and conserves

resources

Hazardous Waste Reduction Hazardous Waste Reduction IdeasIdeas Substitution with a non-hazardous

substance◦ Water-based solvents◦ Alcohol thermometers instead

of mercury-containing◦ Detergent glass cleaner instead

of chromic acid Microchemistry or reduced volumes Avoid mixing or contamination with

non-hazardous substances Distillation of solvents

More Hazardous Waste More Hazardous Waste Reduction Ideas….Reduction Ideas….Elementary neutralization –

acid/baseAdministrative Controls

◦ inventory management ◦ spill prevention

Phase separation (example - one liquid floats and won’t readily mix with another in the same vessel)

Chemical ExchangeChemical Exchange◦No longer needed by the user◦Still usable or has value◦Often in their original containers and unused

◦The chemical has not expired and has factory seal in place

◦Has no visible signs of degradation◦UT Chemical Exchange is found at:

http://www.pp.utk.edu

Hazardous Waste Reduction Hazardous Waste Reduction Activities:Activities:Contact EHS (x5084) to discuss

hazardous waste reduction activities – even activities that have occurred in the past

We need to demonstrate and document hazardous waste reduction for compliance purposes.

UTK’s Hazardous waste minimization plan can be found on the EHS web-site in the Safety Manual.

SummarySummaryHazardous waste containers must be kept

closed, properly labeled, in good condition, acceptable for the contents and properly stored.

Labels and regulatory guidance are available from EHS (x5084)

Strive for hazardous waste reduction and waste minimization

If you have any questions, please contact EHS, or check the EHS web-site.

Quiz TimeTo complete the Staying Safe in the Laboratory Module, please click here for the quiz