Chemical waste containers are labeled and have closed lids. Hazardous waste tags are completed

Proper disposal of chemical wastes is mandatory in laboratories at MSU. Chemical waste should not be disposed of by evaporation in a chemical hood.

Chemical waste should be accumulated at or near the point of generation, under the control of laboratory workers and must be identified from all other materials.

Each container of hazardous waste must be labeled with the words “Hazardous Waste,” and have a completed waste tag attached. An exception to this rule is bottles of discarded commercial chemical product in their original container; however, if the discarded commercial product is not in the original container, it must also have a waste tag (png).  

References:

  • MSU Waste Disposal Guidance
  • MSU Chemical Hygiene Plan
  • OSHA Standard 1910.1450 App A.

Corrective actions:

For comprehensive guidance see: Managing Chemical Waste

Request waste tags on the MSU EHS Safety Portal (Lab Label Request).

Instructions to properly fill out waste tags see: Completing the Waste Pick Up Tag 

Request waste pick up on the MSU EHS Safety Portal (Hazardous Waste Pickup). 

For more specific information regarding hazardous wastes see: MSU Waste Disposal Guidance.

 

General guidance:

If a 5-gallon carboy is too large for the amount of waste you accrue, you can reuse an empty container if you follow the following parameters: 

  • Deface the container by removing the label or using a marker to occlude the information 
  • Label the container “Hazardous Waste” 
  • Attach a waste tag (the label mentioned above is separate from the tag) 

Collect small volumes of process waste in your own containers. Collect larger volumes in 5- gallon cans. Collect solid waste e.g., contaminated gloves, glassware, paper, etc., in cardboard boxes lined with two plastic bags. Keep liquid and solid wastes separate.

Separate wastes into the different waste categories. That is, collect acids in a separate container from solvents etc.

Do NOT mix incompatible materials in the same container. Do NOT put corrosive or reactive chemicals in metal cans.

For liquids, fill containers to about 90% of container volume. Do NOT fill containers to the top. Leave at least 2 inches of space in 5-gallon liquid waste containers to allow for liquid expansion and pumping. Make sure the caps on all cans and bottles have gaskets and are tightly secured before the pickup.

 

Lab Safety Inspections