Scharlab - AMCO Instruments, SRL

www.scharlab.comDisposal of laboratory wasteThe wise choice The best thing is to avoid residues althogether. Please think of this,whenever you plan the purchase of laboratory chemicalsAvoid contamination of the waterElimination of residues through the drain is strictly forbidden.You have to bear in mind, that many chemicals shall not bereduced by the waste water plants and shall contaminatethe environment.Residues in the laboratoryWe highly recommend naming a person in charge of theresidues of your company. This person should be informedof the laws and regulations regulating the waste of residuesin your own country.In order to hand over the residues to a treatment plant, it isnecessary to organize the collection and storage previously.Collection of residues in the laboratoryThe material of the residue containers has to comply withthe following conditions:1. One has to be able to close the containers hermeticallyand the material has to be resistant to the contents. Plasticcontainers should not form toxic fumes when disposedof through burning.2. Generally, plastic containers are being used.3. Corrosive products should be collected in metal drumswith inner plastic lining, like our Combi drum (art.no.055-0C0025).4. Inflammable or oxidizing products should be collectedin metal or plastic drums resistant to the solvent.5. For products that produce gases o vapours, specialcontainers with a security valve are required, in order toavoid the danger of explosions.If the collection containers are handed over to a transportagency, they have to carry the UN number that approvesthem for transport by road.For liquids, we highly recommend HDPE containers like our25L containers, ref. 055-25000P or our 25L Combi drums,ref. 055-0C0025.For solids, we recommend using the same material in whichthe original product was supplied, or wide-open HDPEcontainers.Classifying chemical laboratory residuesThe residue producer is responsible of correctly classifying and labelling every residue. He also must deliver the residues toan authorized treatment plant. Below, you can find a guide for residue classification.SolidsContainer no. 0Void contaminated containers.It includes bottles and drums as wellas disposable contaminated stuffs(gloves, filters...).Container no. IOrganic chemicals in solid form.In its original container or safelypacked with permanent label.Container no. IIInorganic chemicals in solid form.In its original container or safelypacked with permanent label.Container no. IIIToxic inorganic residues and salts ofheavy metals.In its original container or safelypacked with permanent label.Container no. IVMercury and salts of inorganicmercury salts.In its original container or safelypacked with permanent label.LiquidsContainer no. VOrganic solvents and organicsubstances in solution, containing nohalogens.In HDPE containers labelled as“halogen-free solvents”.Container no. VIOrganic solvents and organicsubstances in solution, containinghalogens.In HDPE containers labelled as“halogen solvents”.Use of metal containers strictlyforbidden.Internal corrosion due to the water oracid contained in the halogen is veryhigh. Since metal containers are usedup to 5 times, as average, the risk ofbreakage and leaking is high.Container no. VIIInorganic aqueous solutions.Adjust contents to pH 6-8.a) acids and acidic concentratescontaminated by oils, fats, solvents,tensides or other products whichcannot be drained into the sink.b) bases and basic concentrates,contaminated with large quantitiesof cyanides and nitriles and whichcannot be drained into the sink.c) saline solutions coming fromneutralized acids and bases whichcannot be drained into the sink.In HDPE containers labelled asAqueous inorganic solutions.Container no. VIIIOrganic aqueous solutions.Include mixtures solvent/waterlike HPLC mobile phases.Container IXUsed oils, bath oils, vacuum oils(free from halogens).Container XToxic flammable compounds.Disposal of laboratory wasteScharlab The Lab Sourcing Group363