University of Northern British Columbia
OP-21: Hazardous Waste Management

Hazardous Waste guidelines at UNBC include: Reducing lab waste is the first step in ensuring your lab is operating in an environmentally conscious manner. Please consider the following points to help your lab minimize its hazardous waste generation: − Purchase chemicals in the smallest quantity sufficient for your work. − Exchange excess chemicals with other labs. − Consider using less hazardous reagents whenever possible. − Use decontaminating methods where possible to reduce the amount of hazardous waste. − Do not mix hazardous and non-hazardous wastes. − Ensure that all waste is properly identified and labeled. Unknown chemicals create an expensive disposal problem.

Hazardous waste that is collected in the lab should be delivered to Chemstores for proper disposal. This includes hazardous liquid chemical waste, hazardous solid chemical waste (i.e. items that have been contaminated with hazardous chemicals such as gloves and paper towels), and biohazardous waste. Radioactive waste is handled separately by the Radiation Safety Officer. Chemical wastes and medical/biological wastes are each disposed of by specialty firms contracted by the university. Non-hazardous, water-soluble liquid wastes may be suitable for drain disposal. If the solution is suitable for drain disposal, use the following precautions: − Neutralize acidic or basic solutions before disposal. − Flush the solution down the drain with plenty of water. − Dispose of small quantities at a time. Solid chemical waste that is considered non-hazardous may suitable for disposal in the trash. If the material is suitable for trash disposal, use the following precautions: − Package the material in at least two layers, e.g. plastic bag packed inside cardboard box. − Label inner packaging to identify its contents in case the packaging breaks open. − Deliver all waste to Chemstores for proper disposal.