Hazardous Waste On-line Class

This training is specifically designed to satisfy training requirements for the University of Kentucky and for individuals who are students, faculty, or staff of the University. The individuals and departments utilizing this training are responsible for completing any prerequisites, completing refresher training as required, and maintaining their departmental training records. This training is not intended or represented for use by any other entity or individual outside the University of Kentucky.

The following guidelines are based on regulations enforced by the EPA and state Department of Environmental Regulation and must be implemented to avoid violations. These agencies perform frequent unannounced inspections of University of Kentucky laboratories and work areas that can lead to monetary and possibly criminal sanctions.

1. WHAT IS A WASTE MATERIAL?

   A material which is spent, cannot be reused or recycled and is ready to be thrown away. Materials that are still good or reusable are not considered waste. If you know of another lab that may need the material please attempt recycling before labeling it as waste.
   
   

2. WHAT IS A HAZARDOUS WASTE?

   A waste as defined above which meets one or more of the following definitions or is otherwise dangerous to human health and safety or the environment:
   
   

   • FLAMMABLE/IGNITABLE: Any liquid or liquid mixture having a flashpoint of 140 degrees F, 60 degrees C, or lower. This includes most non-halogenated solvents such as Methanol, Ethanol, Acetone, Xylene, Toluene, Benzene, Gasoline etc. Flammable solids such as Sodium or Potassium metals, solid Naphthalene, Nitrocellulose etc. also fall into this category. Halogenated solvents such as Methylene Chloride, Chloroform, Dichlorobenzene etc. generally have a flashpoint above 140 degrees F and therefore are not flammable, but are toxic. Flashpoint values and other physical properties can be found in the Material Safety Data Sheet or in chemical reference literature such as a Merck Index. Flammable materials should always be isolated from ignition sources.
   • TOXIC: Any material which by the nature of its active ingredients is considered to be a poison, carcinogen, mutagen, reproductive hazard or is capable of causing harm to human health and safety, or the environment. This is a large class of chemicals with over 800 substances specifically regulated by the EPA. Most pure reagent chemicals are included in this category which is quantified by LD50 or lethal dose values.
   • CORROSIVE: Any liquids or liquid mixtures having a pH less than or equal to 2 or greater than 12.5 are considered corrosive and must be treated as hazardous waste. Examples include hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, sodium hydroxide, and corrosive cleaning agents. Dilution of acids or bases with water is not an acceptable practice. Acids and bases can be neutralized as part of an experiment, but that process must be a written step in the experimental procedure.

   In addition, liquids or liquid mixtures having a pH less than 5.5 or greater than 11.5 are not permitted to be disposed of via sink drains or other wastewater conveyances. Disposal of such liquids is specifically prohibited by the University’s discharge permit.
   

   • REACTIVE: Any material which is unstable, explosive, shock sensitive, water or air reactive, a strong oxidizer, or an organic peroxide. Cyanide and sulfide bearing materials are also reactive and may produce toxic, deadly gases when mixed with acids. Reactives should be handled with extreme care.
     
     
   If your waste falls into any of the above categories it must be treated as hazardous waste.
   
   It cannot be disposed of by pouring it down a drain or by throwing it in the trash.
   
   A hazardous waste disposal ticket must be filled out and submitted. There are significant fines and penalties involved when hazardous waste is disposed of illegally. In addition to the legal ramifications please realize that toxic wastes disposed of down the sink or in the trash may end up either in the Kentucky River or in one of the underground aquifers, which is the primary source of our drinking water. The primary reason hazardous waste laws were established was to protect ground and drinking water supplies from toxic contamination.
   

   MANAGEMENT OF HAZARDOUS WASTE IN YOUR AREA

3. LABELING OF WASTE CONTAINERS

   All hazardous waste containers must be labeled "HAZARDOUS WASTE" at the time when the first drop of waste is poured into the container. Descriptions such as "WASTE" or "ACETONE WASTE" are not acceptable.
   

   The chemical names of the substances in the container must be listed on the container. When labeling the waste be specific, i.e. list Xylene, Acetone, Toluene etc. instead of Non-Halogenated Solvents. Do not use abbreviations, chemical formulas or trade names. Hazardous waste labels are available from our office at no charge. Laboratory tape is acceptable if marked as specified above. Proper labeling will eliminate the problem of identifying unknown chemicals and wastes.
   
   

4. PROPER CONTAINERS

   The best containers for hazardous waste are the ones the original materials came in. Containers such as 5-gallon jugs and four-liter bottles are acceptable if the container and any residue left inside are compatible with new waste material. Four-liter bottles and 5-gallon carboys are available at no charge from EM. Larger containers are better if they can be filled within a reasonable time and does not present a storage hazard at your location. Please fill the containers to within one or two inches from the top before requesting disposal. This will aid the University in reducing waste, cutting costs and also speed up removal of wastes from your lab.
   

5. PROPER LIDS FOR CONTAINERS

   All containers must have a secure, tight, non leaking lid. Cracked or leaking lids sealed with parafilm will not be picked up. Lids must be secure on containers at all times unless waste is physically being added to the container.
   

   UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD A FUNNEL EVER BE LEFT IN AN UNATTENDED CONTAINER.

   Funnels in containers, improper labeling and waste containers with no lids are the three most common violations cited by inspectors and have led to costly fines in the past.
   
   

6. STORAGE, COMPATIBILITY AND SAFETY

   Chemicals or wastes should never be stored in or around drains or sinks. Waste must be stored in a secure place, always under the control of lab personnel. Waste stored outside your area can be kept in a locked room nearby but never left in a hallway. This area should be kept clean and inspected for spills on a daily basis. At no time should more than 55 gallons of waste accumulate in an area prior to pickup. If this happens call EM immediately to arrange for removal. The best places to accumulate wastes are inside or under fume hoods or inside an appropriate safety cabinet. You should not store incompatible wastes or chemicals in the same area. The items below are examples of some potentially incompatible wastes that may react violently if mixed. These examples would apply if the chemicals were in pure form; in low concentrations the combinations may or may not present a safety hazard. This list is by no means all-inclusive so check with the Principal Investigator, MSDS, or other applicable literature before mixing.
   
   
   
   

   Incompatibles

   CYANIDES AND ACIDS SULFIDES AND ACIDS OXIDIZERS AND ORGANICS OR FLAMMABLES STRONG ACIDS AND BASES HYDRAZINE AND OXIDIZERS STRONG ACIDS OR BASES AND FLAMMABLES ACIDS AND CHLORINE COMPOUNDS WATER OR AIR REACTIVES AND MOST EVERYTHING

   PCB's, Dioxin, Mercury, and heavy metal bearing wastes in general, should not be mixed with other types of wastes if possible. This will help decrease the volume and toxicity of wastes generated by your lab, which is mandated by state and federal regulations. Radioactive and Biological materials fall under a different set of guidelines and should not be mixed or stored with chemical wastes.
   
   

7. DISPOSAL OF HAZARDOUS WASTE AND CHEMICALS

   To dispose of any hazardous waste you must completely fill out a hazardous waste ticket for each container. Hazardous waste tickets are available by calling the EM office at 323-6280. Mail or fax (323-6274) the white copy to EM office (address at top of ticket). An online hazardous waste pickup request form is also available - http://ehs.uky.edu/em/wasteticket.php. The copy of the ticket should be securely attached to each container. If possible do not secure ticket down over the manufacturer’s label. If you prefer to hand deliver tickets the EM facility is located at 355 Cooper Drive (between Ag. Science Greenhouses and Garrigus Building). The person(s) who actually generated the waste must complete the waste tickets. Staff without knowledge of the material in the container should not fill out the ticket. Tickets should be filled out as completely as possible with all information typed or legible. Abbreviations, trade names and chemical formulas are not acceptable. After the white copy is received, it will be entered in EM’s computer tracking system. EM personnel will come to remove the waste (usually within 5-7 working days). WASTE CANNOT BE PICKED UP WITHOUT A COMPLETED TICKET. If the waste is not acceptable for pickup and transportation the generator will be responsible for correcting the problem.
   
   

   
   

8. BIOHAZARDOUS WASTE

   Biohazardous waste is defined as: Human or animal tissue or fluids that are contaminated or may be contaminated with pathogenic organisms. Sharps and contaminated medical equipment such as tubing, IV bags etc. may also be classified as biohazards by Bloodborne Pathogen definitions.
   

   Check with your area safety officer or the Environmental Management office if you have questions. Biohazardous waste should be kept separate from chemical waste and must always be placed in a red bag or plastic container marked with a biohazard symbol.
   
   Disposal of biohazards with regular garbage is not permitted. In the Medical Center the custodial staff will pick up biohazardous waste. All other areas should submit a waste ticket as described above and mark the ticket as biohazardous. Autoclaved or sterilized waste may be disposed of in the regular trash provided the item is clearly marked as having been autoclaved.
   
   

9. RADIOACTIVE WASTES

   Anyone working with radioactive isotopes and or scintillation counting experiments must attend training classes given by the Radiation Safety office. Their phone number is 323-6777. Mixed wastes containing, both chemical and radioactive properties will be disposed of via a Radiation Safety disposal ticket.

   After Radiation Safety processes the ticket it will be forwarded to EM for pick up. Chemical and radioactive wastes should be kept separate whenever possible due to extreme difficulty in finding disposal sites that will accept the mixture.
   
   

10. CHEMICAL SPILL PROCEDURES

    Personnel in labs or work areas should immediately clean small spills of known materials. EM should be called before disposing of clean up materials. Spill pillows, spill pad, acid/base-neutralizing kits, and granulated clay products (oil dry and/or kitty litter) are best for spill clean-ups. Safety goggles, proper gloves and other appropriate protective gear should be worn when handling a spill.

    For large spills Environmental Management office should be notified immediately at (859) 323-6280. The contacts are:

    Robert Kjelland Director 257-3285 rdkjel2@uky.edu Brian Butler Sr. Specialist 323-5005 bbutl1@uky.edu Mike Blackard Sr. Specialist 257-7375 mblac0@uky.edu Lee Faulkner Sr. Specialist 257-7373 ljfaul2@uky.edu Peggy Quisenberry Admin. Assistant 323-6280 pquisenb@uky.edu

    After hours, weekend or during holidays contact the University of Kentucky Police Department at (859) 257-1616. They will contact the EM staff, who will respond appropriately.

    If the spill or release involves a dangerous or potentially dangerous material evacuate the immediate area, shut all doors and windows if possible and call 911 from any campus phone. Stay on line with dispatcher until told to hang up. Persons involved with spill should remain in area at a safe distance to provide responders with information on materials and processes involved.
    
    

11. HAZARDOUS WASTE MINIMIZATION

    Federal and state law requires generators of hazardous waste to develop strategies reducing both volume and toxicity of wastes. EM will assist you with procedures to minimize waste your area generates. Please call if you have any ideas on this subject or would like to schedule a waste minimization audit for your department.
    Some general examples of waste minimization techniques are:
    
    

    1. Substitution - Replacing toxic or other hazardous materials with less toxic or non-hazardous substances. This is the best way to minimize hazardous waste. Example: use Alconox instead of sulfuric/chromic acid glass cleaner. Replace Mercury thermometers with less hazardous alcohol thermometers or those with plastic coatings less likely to break when dropped.
       
       
    2. Recycling/Redistribution - Chemicals that are like new or unopened can often be redistributed to other labs or work areas saving disposal costs for UK and new product costs for the recipient.
       To add or receive reagent chemicals from the UK redistribution program call EM at (859) 323-5005 or visit the EM http://ehs.uky.edu/hmm/chemrecycle.html.
       
       
    3. Proper filling of waste containers - Fill your waste containers to approximately 1 or 2 inches from the top, allowing for some expansion of volatiles during hot summer months. This will aid us in decreasing the volume and number of containers shipped off site each year.
       
       
    4. Ordering and Procurement Practices - Order only what you will need based on shelf life of chemical and quantities required. A large percentage of toxic waste disposal by University of Kentucky are old, unused reagent chemicals.
       
       
    5. Micro Chemistry - Use small-scale chemistry instead of traditional methods to reduce the amount of chemicals used in laboratory experiments.
       
       
    6. Redistilling - Reclaim solvents through distillation processes in laboratories using large quantities of solvents. This is a good way to cut lab costs and drastically reduce cost of purchasing new solvents.
       
       
    7. Laboratory Destruction - Some chemicals can be neutralized or made exempt from hazardous waste regulations by treatment or alteration in the laboratory. This must be done as part of the experiment and in accordance with published recognized methods. Contact EM prior to performing laboratory destruction to confirm the process is safe and meets regulatory requirements. An example of lab destruction would be neutralizing strong acids or bases as the last step in an experiment.
       
       
    8. Mercury Thermometer Exchange - Mercury has been identified as a waste minimization priority by USEPA. The Environmental Management department has implemented a mercury thermometer exchange program to help eliminate mercury and its associated risks from university laboratories. Environmental Management will exchange a mercury thermometer for a non mercury thermometer upon request and at no charge to the receiving department. The non-mercury thermometers meet accuracy standards established by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). See our web page http://ehs.uky.edu/em/ for more details on the mercury thermometer exchange program.
       
       
12. Other Waste Materials

• Batteries: All batteries, including small (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V, calculator batteries etc.) is now considered "Universal Wastes" and must be recycled.
  See the battery fact sheet for detailed information.
  
  

• Light Ballasts: Light ballasts containing PCB's are now considered to be hazardous waste and require labeling and containerization. The ballasts will be recycled by EM. Call 323-6280 for segregation and pickup options. Leaking ballasts must be kept separate and containerized immediately.
  
  
• Fluorescent Lights: All spent fluorescent lights, except those with green end caps, are considered "Universal Waste" and must be recycled.
  
  If the bulbs are broken during removal they are considered hazardous waste and require labeling and containerization.
  
  Bulbs with green end caps may be placed in the normal garbage whether broken or intact.
  
  Contact your supervisor, building operator or EM for disposal options. It is illegal to drop fluorescent lights or any waste at EQMC facility or loading dock without a representative there to accept it.
  
  

Please keep this document with your other training materials for future reference. The yellow hazardous waste training certificate should be displayed in your lab or kept with your training files. No one may handle or prepare hazardous waste for disposal unless they have attended this class. To review the most vital points in this outline:

1. Never throw hazardous waste in the garbage or pour it down the drain.
   
   
2. All hazardous waste must be labeled as such immediately upon generation.
   
   
3. Keep containers tightly sealed and never leave a funnel in an unattended container.
   
   
4. Keep chemical, radioactive and biohazardous waste separate whenever possible.
   
   
5. Do not mix incompatible chemicals or wastes together.
   
   
6. Know what to do in case of a chemical spill.
   
   
7. Recycle or reduce the volume and toxicity of your wastes when possible.
   
   Your cooperation in helping the University of Kentucky comply with the hazardous waste regulations is sincerely appreciated.